Recent investigations by myself and other researchers of populations of corals on deeper reef (70-95 m) slopes in the Caribbean suggest that these relatively disturbance-free communities may provide additional insights into the mechanisms that maintain healthy reefs (Bunkley-Williams and others 1988; Fricke and Meischner 1985; Ghiold and Smith 1990; Goreau and Wells 1967). Additionally, particularly in times of high stress in shallower parts of the reef, they may be sources of larvae for natural replenishment of recruits. In this respect, they may be potentially useful candidates for the study of adaptive mechanisms that facilitate coral colonization outside their normal range. Warner (1997) has suggested that corals may be able to vary the phenotypes of their young to adapt to variable environments. Although such investigations may not be for immediate consideration, they are something to consider for the future.