Soft Coral, Komodo Island - Indonesia The folds and corrugations of Mushroom, or Leather coral, become deeper and more pronounced with age. Although relying almost totally on sunshine for its energy, it does take in some passing micro-plankton with its many star-shaped polyps.

Lionfish and Soft Corals - Indonesia A venomous Indo-Pacific species, the Lionfish is very beautiful - and dangerous. The ornately-spined fin rays contain venom that, in humans, causes extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, convulsions, numbness, and paresthesias. In the mid 1990s, the Lionfish was unintentionally introduced into the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean by their transfer in ballast tanks of huge container ships, filled with seawater from the Pacific. Now they are a thriving invasive species, and an increasing concern for reef management throughout the Caribbean Island reefs.

Centerpiece, Flores Island - Indonesia Painstakingly hand placed flower petals in an offering bowl. Reclaimed teak wood produces the tabletop.