The rainforests of the sea
Coral reefs are one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems on the planet. Often called ‘the rain forests of the seas’, there are thousands of different species of coral all over the world. Some live in warm tropical waters, whilst others live in the coldest, darkest depths of the ocean. No matter where you find them, they all host a variety of different living organisms. In fact, up to 25 percent of all the fish in the sea depend on them for a healthy life. Contrary to popular belief, the corals (that make up the reef) are, in fact, alive. They are closely related to animals like jellyfish and sea anemones, which are collectively known as ‘Cnidarians’.
Wow fact 1
Dead corals leave behind their hard calcium carbonate skeletons, which form the foundation of coral reefs but no longer support marine life.
Wow fact 2
Many corals rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae to get energy from sunlight.
Wow fact 3
Corals and anemones are closely related and both belong to the phylum Cnidaria.
Coral Conservation
Discover more about the coral conservation work SEA LIFE is doing around the world.
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