Key Information
Coral
| Species | 2,175 species |
| Classification | Cnidaria > Anthozoa |
| Conservation Status | Varies, some Endangered |
| Habitat | Shall, Warm Tropical Seas (for reef building), or Deep, Cold Oceans (for non-reef building) |
Learning Point
- Coral and coral reefs are incredible underwater ecosystems. Coral is a living animal, not a plant or a rock. Each coral is made up of thousands of tiny, individual animals called polyps that live together in a colony. These polyps have a special partnership with a type of algae called zooxanthellae that live inside their tissues, giving the coral its vibrant color and providing it with food. In return, the coral gives the algae a safe place to live. Together, these polyps build massive, limestone skeletons that form the foundation of coral reefs, which are some of the most biodiverse places on the planet. However, these amazing ecosystems are incredibly fragile and are now under threat from rising ocean temperatures, which can cause coral to lose its algae in a process known as bleaching, putting the entire reef at risk.
Project
- Overview
- X-Ray
- Life Cycle
Location
Fun Facts
- Coral is not a plant or a rock! It’s actually a living animal that stays in one spot and grows in huge groups called colonies.
- The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is so big it can be seen from outer space! It is the largest living structure on Earth.
- Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” because they are home to over 25% of all the fish in the ocean, even though they only cover a tiny part of the seafloor.
- Each tiny coral animal, called a polyp, has a mouth and tiny stinging tentacles to catch food, just like the jellyfish!
Past Lessons
| 183 | September 17, 2025 | (North America) |