Often called “rainforests of the sea”, coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy very small percentage of the total sea surface on earth, yet they provide a home for twenty-five percent of all marine species.
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 are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals.
Corals are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, and are formed by polyps that live together in groups. The polyps secrete a hard carbonate exoskeleton which provides support and protection for the body of each polyp. Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters. Also coral reef is a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone.
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