Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, coral polyps secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect their bodies. Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters. |
Often called "rainforests of the sea", coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet they provide a home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians. |
Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients. They are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas. |
Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated between US$ 29.8-375 billion. However, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very sensitive to water temperature.
|
They are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, overuse of reef resources, and harmful land-use practices, including urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution, which can harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth. |
These Are Some Stunning Underwater Shots by Alexander Semenov
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov
These 10 Endangered Species Are In Dire Need of Help!
There has been much talk about the rapidly declining numbers of many species world over. This is what's being done to help.
Stunning Underwater Shots by Alexander Semenov
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
A Photographer's Dream: Photos of Lauterbrunnental Valley
A Photo Series of Lauterbrunnental Valley in Switzerland as well as a video by the photographer.
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
Cactuses Have Flowers So Beautiful and Different...
This videos will show you the true beauty of cacti flowers.
These Orchids Look Like Anything Else Other Than Flowers
Orchids are some of the most unusual flowers in nature. As you'll see in this next post, there's a lot of them that don't actually look like flowers at all...
WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...
Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.
Find Out More About North American Butterflies Here
Mankind has always been fascinated by butterflies and that fascination hasn't died down today. Take a look at these informative images.
20 Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes That Grip Your Soul
It's impossible to put words to these glorious pictures. We just can't.
The Pronking Dance of the Antelopes - Lovely!
The sprinbok like to find a place of rain, and after it passes, they celebrate the fresh grass with... pronking, a very beautiful, very strange dance!
9 Heartwarming Instances of Wild Animals Saving Humans
Animals are more intelligent and kind than we give them credit for, and these 9 touching stories prove that
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
Defying the Natural Order - When Fish Eat Birds
Watch this giant trevally leap out of the water to catch unsuspecting birds in the most sensational fashion.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
Italian Wildlife Should be Talked About a Lot More!
Join us on a journey to Italy’s amazing wildlife.
Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2023 Nature inFocus Photography Awards.
Is There a More Beautiful Creature Than the Proud Peacock?
Some may argue that the peacock is the most beautiful bird in the world. The colors of the peacock is where nature truly shines...
Lions! What You Didn't Know About This Amazing Creature
There is so much to know about this beautiful yet terrifying beast of the wild. This video takes you on a trip of discovery of numerous interesting things you probably didn't know about Lions.
These Ocean Species Look Like They're From Another Planet
These ocean species are unlike anything I've ever seen before.
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
The Beautiful Animals You'll See When On Safari...
If you want the best safari experience, Africa is where you should go, especially if you want to see the big five wild animal groups: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo.
15 of Bhutan's Most Riveting Animals Revealed!
From the clouded leopard to the Himalayan monal, discover the wonders of Bhutan's wildlife kingdom with us.
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
22 Award-Winning Photos That Capture the Power of Nature
The International Photography Awards has many categories, but today, we will focus on nature, with 22 stunning highlights from the 2020 competition.
Animals Don't Need the Word Love. They Use It All the Time.
The Animals Fell In Love Today...
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
10 Horses That'll Astound You With Their Beauty
Man and horse have had a natural companionship for centuries. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful horses.
It's Feeding Time for Big Cats, See it Close and Personal!
If you love big cats, this video will melt your heart as we go in close and personal during feeding time.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
Click to Transform Caterpillars Into Moths and Butterflies!
Both butterflies and moths have four stages of life, they go from the initial egg to a caterpillar, then to a cocoon and finally to a butterfly or moth. Watch these 18 interactive photos Before and After caterpillars transform.
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.