The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 1500
Hard corals, or stony corals (Scleractinia), are the main builders of coral reefs. They consist of tiny polyps that produce calcium carbonate skeletons, forming complex reef structures over time that support diverse marine life. They thrive in warm, shallow waters and depend on a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that provide energy through photosynthesis and enable reef growth
Hard corals form a variety of shapes, creating habitats for fish and many marine species. These reefs are known as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their high biodiversity. However, they are vulnerable to threats like rising temperatures, pollution, and ocean acidification, which can cause coral bleaching and damage reef ecosystems.
