The micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technique involves taking a series of x-ray radiographs of a subject and reconstructing it, including its intrinsic composition. It is a non-destructive method able to provide the 3D morphological and contextual details of collected specimens. Micro-CT imaging involves the recording of two-dimensional x-ray images (over 1000) from various angles (trough 360°) around a sample. The digital radiographs reveal the attenuation capability of the sample. The 3D dataset is then reconstructed and the resultant 3D-rendered volume allows for the multidirectional examination of a sample.

Five coral samples (Scleractinians) were collected with Ariane H-ROV in the Lacaze-Duthiers Canyon (CALADU-2019 oceanographic cruise) and observed using tomography: Madrepora oculata, Desmophyllum pertusum (syn. Lophelia pertusa), Desmophyllum dianthus, Caryophyllia smithii and Dendrophyllia cornigera.