Banks and areas near the sanctuary are one of only two places in the world where you can find the golden phase of the smooth trunkfish, the other being near the Bay Islands north of Honduras. The golden smooth trunkfish is not a distinct species but a different color variation of the smooth trunkfish that inhabits throughout the rest of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, including Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Scientists have not yet discovered the reason for the color differences in the Flower Garden Banks and Honduran populations. Every August, about a week after the full moon, a mass coral spawning event takes place in and near the sanctuary. For some days, multiple species of star coral and brain corals release gametes into the water. This event allows for genetic mixing between different species of corals and increases diversification. Manta rays, the largest species of ray in the ocean with a wingspans upwards of 29 feet and weighing as much as 3,600 pounds, are a common sight in and near the sanctuary. Recent research confirmed that Flower Garden Banks serves as a critical nursery habitat for oceanic manta rays, offering young mantas protection from human activity. The sanctuary works towards the conservation of manta rays through expansion of the habitat. The spotted eagle ray school in and around the sanctuary during the early part of the year. They have a pronounced head with a snout and distinct white spots and rings on their dark backs. They also have very long whip-like tails, longer than most other rays, with venomous spines used in defense when they are threatened. They can grow to have wingspans of nearly 16 feet. References External links Gulfbase.org - Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuaries of the United States Protected areas of Louisiana