Hidden Depths: A Unique Biodiversity Oasis in the Persian Gulf in Need of Further Exploration and Conservation

The Persian Gulf, a young and shallow epicontinental sea, is known for its unique geological oceanographic characteristics that foster diverse productive marine ecosystems. A substantial portion of the Gulf’s seafloor consists unconsolidated soft sediments, making it unsuitable colonization by many sessile organisms. Consequently, relatively few hard grounds submerged banks provide suitable habitats benthic substrate dwellers. This study documents habitat on an offshore bank, likely raised salt dome, south Qeshm Island, Iran. area home to high concentration ahermatypic coral species remains sheltered from human activities. bank’s geographic location allows inflow currents Strait Hormuz transport larvae nutrients, providing substrates various invertebrates. Moreover, causes formation Taylor columns, which affect fluid dynamics circulation patterns, indirectly enhancing biodiversity. Despite facing risks large-scale regional localized threats, remoteness main coast depth some protection. emphasizes need continued exploration implementation effective conservation measures in region, along with additional research clarify ecological physical parameters supporting diversity. It also presents first situ photographic evidence occurrence octocoral genera Gulf. Future should investigate how compositions hidden shoals contribute overall biodiversity