A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. [1] Most coral reefs are built …

Oct 18, 2025 · Coral reef, ridge or hummock formed in shallow ocean areas by algae and the calcareous skeletons of coral polyps and other coelenterates. A coral reef may grow into a …

Oct 15, 2024 · Coral reefs cover only 1% of the ocean floor, but support an estimated 25% of all marine life in the ocean, earning them the moniker ‘rainforest of the sea.’

Sep 25, 2025 · A tropical paradise in the Pacific — National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa — offers a unique opportunity for researchers to observe ocean and coral reef …

What are coral reefs? Coral can be found in tropical ocean waters around the world. But how much do you know about reefs and the tiny animals—polyps—that build them?

5 days ago · The artificial reef off Miami Beach will be an art installation, a restoration of the island's coral habitat and an underwater tourist attraction.

Both deep-sea coral reefs and gardens provide crucial habitat on the seafloor. In the deep-sea habitat can be scarce, so when there is structure, life tends to abound around it.

Discover how coral reefs work, why they’re vital to marine life and how tiny coral polyps build vast underwater ecosystems. Learn about symbiosis, reef biodiversity and the powerful connection …

Built by tiny coral polyps over millennia, these underwater oases support an astounding array of fish, invertebrates, algae, and microorganisms. Every creature plays a crucial role in …

Oct 8, 2025 · Discover fascinating facts about coral reefs, like how they form, why they’re vital and what you can do to help protect them.