It takes coral polyp colonies hundreds to thousands of years to build up.Ī special algae called zooxanthellae gives corals its vibrant colors. The exoskeletons remain even after the coral polyp dies. The exoskeletons continue to pile up as coral polyps create them. This hard exoskeleton is what we see when looking at hard, stony corals. Individual coral polyps are very small and soft.Ĭoral polyps form a hard exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate on the outside of their bodies. Individual coral polyps live in large, close-knit colonies that create coral reefs. Despite looking like sea plants, corals are actually animals. If we compiled a list of all the marine animals known to live in coral reefs, it’d seem like this list would go on forever! Instead, we’ve chosen some common and unique coral reef animals to explore. Millions of marine species depend on coral reefs at some point throughout their lifespan.Ĭoral reefs provide many benefits to marine animals, such as food sources, breeding grounds, and habitat. RELATED A Colorful Exploration: 22 Incredible Types of Coral and Their Beauty Types of Coral Reef Animals You May Also Like: Animals That Lay Eggs: The World’s Most Eggs-Ellent Creatures! It’s made up of more than 2,000 individual coral reef systems and hundreds of coral species. The Great Barrier Reef is home to at least 9,000 marine species. It covers about 133,000 square miles (344,468 sq km) of the sea. Located in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the entire world. One of the most notable coral reefs is the Great Barrier Reef found off the coast of northeast Australia. If ocean temperatures get too high, it can be harmful to a reef.Īccording to the United Nations Environment Programme, coral reefs can be found in more than 100 countries and territories. The ideal water temperature for coral reef development is about 75☏ (24☌). These ecosystems usually develop in warm shallow waters because some species that help build them need sunlight. The exoskeletons that these small coral reef animals leave behind create the corals we see in reefs.Ĭoral reefs develop in subtropical and tropical waters. You May Also Like: Unveiling Earth’s Wonders: 26 Different Types Of Biomes Explored What is a Coral Reef?Ĭoral reefs are formed by large colonies of individual coral polyps. Have you ever wondered what kind of coral reef animals live in these super unique ecosystems? We’re going to take a look at what coral reefs are and what type of animals live in these incredible ecosystems. Fishes, corals, crustaceans, invertebrates, and many more animals live in coral reefs. Almost 25% of marine life depends on coral reefs. Coral reefs face threats such as pollution, climate change, overfishing, and invasive species from 2009 to 2018, the world lost 14% of its corals.Ĭoral reefs are very diverse ecosystems that provide many types of marine life with food, shelter, and other needs.The Great Barrier Reef, located off northeast Australia’s coast, is the world’s largest coral reef covering 133,000 sq miles (344,468 sq km) and is home to at least 9,000 marine species.Coral reefs develop in warm shallow waters with an ideal temperature of 75☏ (24☌) and can be found in more than 100 countries.Almost 25% of marine life depends on coral reefs some examples of coral reef animals include corals, day octopus, red-banded coral shrimp, zebra moray, and green sea turtle.Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems that house various marine life, providing shelter, food, and breeding grounds.
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