Yawkey Coral Reef Center
Witness coral reef biodiversity in action with intimate views of unique coral reef animals like dwarf seahorses, critically endangered staghorn coral, and mesmerizing garden eels.
Know Before You Go
The Yawkey Coral Reef Center offers an intimate view of Caribbean coral inhabitants who are too small to be seen in the Giant Ocean Tank.
- The long-spined sea urchins in this gallery graze on algae that can smother corals. Their presence helps keep corals strong and healthy.
- Yawkey Coral Reef Center is one of three areas where you can see living coral in the Aquarium. The others are the Healthy Corals, Healthy Reefs exhibit and the Lagoon exhibit.
- Aquarium educators are often present to provide in-depth information about coral reef ecosystems and conservation. Feel free to ask them if you have any questions.
Animals in This Exhibit
See the smaller (but no less important!) residents of Caribbean coral reefs.
Below the Surface of Caribbean Waters
Caribbean waters support essential underwater habitats, including coral reefs, sandy seafloors, seagrasses, and mangroves. The exhibits in this gallery offer a closer look at some of the beauty and diversity of these different habitats and the opportunity to explore the smaller inhabitants of the Caribbean.
Carbon Dioxide’s Increasing Effect on Coral Reefs
As human production of CO₂ increases, the ocean is absorbing more CO₂ than it can handle. This is causing the ocean to become more acidic, which makes it difficult for hard-shelled animals to grow their shells properly and for corals to form their skeletons. Coral reefs worldwide are fragile, so it’s important to take action against climate change on a community level now.
Take a Look Around
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Garden eels Photo: Vanessa Kahn -
Guests watch gardens eels Photo: Caitlin Cunningham -
Dwarf Seahorses Photo: Vanessa Kahn
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Become a Member
As a member of the New England Aquarium, you have access to 10,000 marine animals, 70 awe-inspiring exhibits, and exclusive events all year. But that is just the beginning.
