The coral reefs are some of the most delicate and fragile ecosystems of the world. They are incredible havens for all sorts of amazing wildlife and we really should look after them better. I'm sharing some wonderful pictures of the coral reefs, keeping my fingers crossed that they're still be there for future generations and pictures won't just be memories.
A tranquil ocean scene where you'll never imagine a coral reef teeming with life lies just below the surface.
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There are hard corals and soft corals. These are soft.
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Coral reefs are home to the most colorful marine creatures found anywhere.
Among the vibrantly hued inhabitants, the Feather Starfish stands out with its spectacular array of feathery arms, often resembling a flamboyant flower tucked away in the underwater gardens. This extraordinary echinoderm can actually swim through the water with a grace that belies its bizarre appearance. The Feather Starfish adds to the reef’s charisma, enchanting divers and marine biologists alike with its ethereal beauty and the rich tapestry of life it contributes to. Not merely stationary decor, these creatures play a crucial role in the ecosystem, filtering nutrients and serving as indicators of the reef’s health.
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Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the longest coral reef in the world.
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This poisonous creature roams the Australian reefs.
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There's no definitive answer to the question how many different forms of life the coral reefs support.
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The coral reefs in the Red Sea make it one of the premier diving spots outside of the tropics and the world's major reef systems.
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Among the amazing array of reef creatures, the sea horse is still one of the most wondrous in that it's the male that carries the babies and gives birth.
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He looks too pretty to be caught and eaten on a seafood platter ^_^
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This is a species of damselfish.
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This magnificent picture of a shoal of stunning blue fish was shot off Malaysia.
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Sea anemones are predatory animals that anchor themselves to the reefs.
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Known as "carpet coral", they can spread to completely cover a rock with brightly colored circular patterns. They're popular with hobby fish keepers.
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The real Nemo.
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Predatory sea snails range in size from very small to huge.
Predatory sea snails range in size from very small to huge. Triton's trumpet, aptly named for its long, spiraled shell, is a significant predator in coral reefs. These snails have an essential role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They primarily feed on crown-of-thorns starfish, which can otherwise devastate coral populations. The intricate and vibrant shells are often sought after by collectors, but their ecological significance demands attention and preservation. By controlling starfish populations, Triton's trumpet contributes to the health and resilience of coral reefs, making these mollusks invaluable guardians of their underwater world.
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AKA the Napoleon Fish, it can change from female to male, and there is only one male per territory. If he disappears, the largest female will change sex to male. .
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Incredible colors abound.
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Several green sea turtles gather at a cleaning station on the reef.
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Reef fish are so much more colorful and heavily patterned than deep sea and cold ocean fish.
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One of the most brightly colored corals.
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The colors are kaleidoscopic.
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The Belize reef is home to more than 100 different kinds of coral and some 500 species of fish.
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It looks like a skeleton leaf.
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The Roatán reef (Honduras) is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea - off the coast of Central America.
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It's not actually a jellyfish but a polyp.
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Corals really are such fantastical shapes.
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The lionfish is a venomous fish and a major predator on the coral reefs.
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I've always thought starfish were just a sandy brown color.
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The corals will waft with the movement of the waves like your hair blowing in the breeze.
Embrace the underwater symphony as schools of vibrant fish weave through the sunlit patches amidst the corals. The Maldives is not just a luxurious escape above water, but a mosaic of marine life beneath the surface. Feel the serenity of the islands extend beneath the waves where the coral gardens host a treasure trove of biodiversity. Enjoy the blissful seclusion as you explore the intricate coral structures; their colors and shapes as diverse as the islands themselves. Snorkel or dive to become one with this aquatic paradise, a truly mesmerizing wonder of the natural world.
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The Great Barrier Reef throws some amazing shapes.
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It's obvious where that name comes from.
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When you go scuba diving on the reefs you have to share your water space with loads of fish.
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OMG look at that electric orange and acid green, not to mention the pink and turquoise.
These vibrant hues aren't just for show; they're a sign of the complex and vitally important ecosystems housed within these underwater marvels. From the tiny polyps that build the reefs to the diverse marine life they support, corals are bustling metropolises beneath the waves. Each color plays a role, whether it's attracting fish for symbiosis or reflecting sunlight to nourish the zooxanthellae algae living within the coral's tissues. Mind-blowing, isn't it? It's a kaleidoscope of life that's as important to the ocean as the rainforest is to the land.
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The white corals are just as stunning as the colored corals.
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It looks like a plant but it's actually a marine gastropod mollusk.
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Red fish in the Red Sea.
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It doesn't have to be multi-colored and garish to be beautiful.
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A common coral in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
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The muted palette is just wonderful.
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But there's something extra special when you see all the colors of the rainbow.
Have you dived or snorkeled coral reefs? I've snorkeled a bit and up close, reefs are a truly amazing sight.