Hard Corals – Reef Architects

There are many different corals found in ocean environments.  Hard corals begin as small creatures known as coral polyps.  Living on the seabed they form sturdy skeletons made from the calcium carbonate that is found in seawater.  Depending on the environment of a species, different shapes, colours and sizes are created. 

 

Researcher Note: 

Together, hard corals provide the three-dimensional structure of the reef.  Individually, each species of coral provides unique microhabitats and food types allowing a wide variety of animals to live together.