As light penetration diminishes with depth, these corals grow upward and outward and forms tend to be flattened to increase the amount of surface area exposed to light. Corals tilt seaward, preventing sediment accumulation on flat coral surfaces. In July 1970, a team of scientists used explosives in the deep forereef and recovered the resulting reef talus, including the sample used in this study. The sample is characteristic of the deep forereef. Three layers of Agaricia plates are obvious though it is unclear if more than one colony is present.
Lateral bands indicate growth direction.
Encrusting sponges are obvious on the exterior, as are the effects of two boring sponges. Smaller borings are the result of Cliona , whereas Siphonodictyon produces larger holes. Halimeda flakes and worm tubes are also present. Micritic ooze and internal sediment can also be distinguished. Geopetals are present, indicating angle of in situ orientation.