Pre- and post-1998 ENSO records of shallow-water octocorals (Alcyonacea) in the Chagos Archipelago

► Pre- and post-1998 ENSO (1996 and 2006) octocorals in the Chagos shared many taxa. ► Persistent genera manifested subtle changes but some fast-growers had disappeared. ► The appearance of Carijoa riseii was possibly indicative of reef degradation. ► Chagos octocorals manifested resilience and survival in the face of climate change.