For more than 60 years, a deep-water coral reef off the coast of Benin was thought to be dead. However, after returning to the site with modern sonar and underwater imaging technology, researchers discovered healthy coral communities supporting a variety of marine life. 

Located more than 50 metres below the surface, the reef has now been confirmed as a habitat and feeding ground for eight types of coral and eight species of fish, including African snappers, Guinean angelfish and three-banded butterflyfish. 

The finding is a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the natural world. And researchers now believe there may be other undocumented reefs in the coastal waters of West Africa, offering encouraging news at a time when many marine ecosystems face significant challenges.