Farnsworth Bank

Farnsworth Bank is a pinnacle reef extending from the sea floor at 50 meters (160 feet) to within 15 meters (50 feet) of the surface. Two sides are nearly vertical.

Farnsworth has, in many respects, a typical Southern California subtidal community, with numerous species of fish and invertebrates present. The most distinctive and a major component member of this community is the purple hydrocoral, Allopora californica, which grows in large, highly-branched heads. This is one of the few places in Southern California that this species is found and it should be considered rare.

There may be an endemic fauna as well. Although the bank has been inadequately sampled, two undescribed starfish, one undescribed sea cucumber, as well as an undescribed genus and species of fish have been found here.

Integrity: Several nets are snagged on the pinnacle. Before designation as a Reserve, it was becoming overcollected, being the only easily accessible bank in the Los Angeles area.

Use: Educational, research, observational.

March 1976