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. |
This Photographer Really Captures the Beauty of the Ocean...
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov.
Stunning Underwater Shots by Alexander Semenov
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov
These Award-Winning Photos Are Simply Unforgettable
The Siena International Photos Awards are a really big deal - no less than 48,000 submissions were submitted this year! Here are 20 of the very best.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
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.
Cute Animal of the Week: The Little-Known Cuscus
Today, let us introduce you to a little-known, unusual but adorable animal – the cuscus.
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
The Ocean’s Floor Is Alive with Colorful Sea Slugs
The ocean is vast and mysterious, populated with alien like colorful creatures. These sea slugs are mesmerizingly beautiful.
Prepare to Witness the Majesty of Mother Nature!
If you love nature even half as much as I do, then this stunning collection of photographs is bound to take your breath away, and leave you gasping for more!
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
This Video Opens Up a World of Flowers, Beauty and Color
A beautiful video of young flowers opening in stunning colors.
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.
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Colorful Birds to See Them!
Click on a bird and see a video of a real bird.
The Top 10 Animal World Record Holders Are Totally Awesome
From a bird doing slam dunks to a dog freely skateboarding through a human tunnel, here are the top ten animal Guinness World Record holders!
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
These Are the Most Expensive Gems and Minerals on Earth
There are millions of stunning gems in this world that decorate our jewelry, but you won't find these super rare rocks in any jewelry store!
16 Photos That Showcase Our Planet’s Breathtaking Beauty
Check out these unbelievably picturesque photos from around the world.
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
The Beauty That Resides Under the Sea: Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.
In Pictures: 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards
Check out the majestic winners of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.
Watch 1 Little Seed Become a Tree With NO Soil
From seed to fruit in 1 minute - watch this process unfold in a particularly satisfying time lapse.
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.
Discover the Magical Land of Fjords and Green Hills
Between Scotland, Iceland and Norway lie the beautiful Faroe Islands
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
Explore the Secret World Of The Jellyfish With This Video
This full documentary will help you get a better understanding of the world that jellyfish inhabit.
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
10 Ideal Plants to Fill Up Empty Space in Your Garden
If your yard or garden has a lot of empty space, then why not add some evergreen ground cover plants to give it some extra character?
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
The World Is Full of Beauty, but These Rivers Top It All
These are 15 of the world's most spectacular rivers. Their beauty will mesmerize you!
16 Perfect Examples of How Beautiful Earth Is
16 beautiful examples of why Earth is such a wonderful and gorgeous place to live.
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.
Beautiful: How Your Dog Sees You Vs. How You See Yourself
Although we can feel down in the dumps about ourselves sometimes, our dogs will always keep their faith in us and see us as their heroes.