Coral Reef Habitat
Scientific Name: N/A
Category: habitat
Brief Description
A diverse underwater ecosystem held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals.
Characteristics
Characterized by branching and massive coral formations, providing shelter for various marine organisms, including fish.
Habitat
Shallow, warm, clear, and sunny waters of the tropics and subtropics.
When to Find It
Can be observed year-round, but visibility is often best during the dry season (winter/spring in North Queensland) when there is less runoff and calmer weather.
Conservation Status
Coral reefs worldwide are under severe threat from climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing.
Ecological Role
Supports a quarter of all marine species, protects coastlines from storms and erosion, and provides jobs for local communities.
Easily Confused With
Rocky reefs, which are made of rock rather than biogenic calcium carbonate, and typically support different communities of organisms (like kelp in cooler waters).
Observation Tips
When snorkeling or diving, maintain good buoyancy control to avoid touching or breaking the fragile coral. Look closely among the branches for hiding fish and invertebrates.
Interesting Facts
The Great Barrier Reef, near where this photo was taken, is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs.