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Corals
Anthozoa
Coral reefs, the largest structure of biological origin on Earth, are made up of tiny individual animals called coral polyps! There are about 6,000 species of corals, which are closely related to other invertebrates, such as jellies and sea anemones.
Coral Facts
Size
Most coral polyps are about 1 to 10 millimeters across but can build reef structures that weigh up to several tons.
Diet
Corals’ diet can vary from near-microscopic zooplankton to small fish, depending on the size of the coral.
Lifespan
Some corals can live for up to 5,000 years, making them the longest-living animals!
Range
Global
Threats to Survival
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Overfishing
Understanding Coral Bleaching
Zooxanthellae are a type of algae that live below the tissue of coral polyps. These algae provide polyps with nutrients and their bright colors! When corals become stressed by water temperature increases or nutrient changes, they may expel their zooxanthellae, causing them to turn white. If conditions return to normal, the algae may return; otherwise, the corals will die.
Why We Need Coral Reefs
Coral reefs provide nurseries for baby fish, resting spots for turtles, and varied habitats for species from lobsters to sharks. Though coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, they support about a quarter of all marine life, and millions of humans around the world depend on them for food and jobs.
Support Ocean Conservation
At the New England Aquarium, ocean conservation is at the center of everything we do. With your help, we can tackle pressing threats and their effects on corals and coral reef ecosystems.
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