The skeletal structure of Desmophyllum cristagalli: the use of deep‐water corals in sclerochronology

Skeletal banding has been found in the deep‐water scleractinian coral Desmophyllum cristagalli, an important animal in studies of climate change. This banding pattern sheds light on skeletogenesis and suggests methods by which the record of climate change contained within the coral skeletons may be interpreted. A central wall built of trabeculae forms the interior of the septa and rings the theca. Lamellae form a sheath over the trabecular …