The coral reefs: a rainbow-colored world

Coral and algae, a vital partnership

Each polyp in a coral colony measures only a few millimeters in size and has a central mouth surrounded by venomous tentacles. These allow the polyp to feed on minuscule prey. Hard coral, the kind that builds reefs, lives in partnership with microscopic algae (zooxanthellae) found only in warm, clear and shallow seas. The splendid colors of the reefs come from these algae, which supply the corals with the oxygen and nutrients they need in order to grow. In return, the algae use the corals as support and their waste as fertilizer to help them grow. Coral reefs are among the richest ecosystems, in terms of biodiversity. It is estimated that 1 to 9 million species live on them! Soft coral, which does not form reefs, is less abundant. It is deprived of algae and can grow in colder and deeper waters.

Coral reefs fauna

The crown-of-thorns starfish

The crown-of-thorns is a species of starfish that is taking over coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans. These animals, equipped with long venomous spines, can measure 40 cm in diameter. They destroy the coral to feed on the soft polyps hidden inside. These starfish can cause the destruction of large areas of coral reef.

The surgeonfish

There are almost 80 species of surgeonfish. When they feel threatened, these tropical fish change color and the special spines on their tail stand on end. These spines are as sharp as scalpels and coated in a toxic mucus. Surgeonfish play an important role in the ecosystem of a reef by eating the surplus algae covering the coral.

The clownfish and the sea anemone

The colorful little clownfish finds refuge in the venomous tentacles of the sea anemone, an animal that is frequently found attached to the coral reef. The body of the clownfish is coated in a sticky layer that protects it from the anemone’s venom. The clownfish’s predators do not dare to attack it in its refuge. In compensation, the clownfish defends the anemone from the predators that feed on it.

The cleaner wrasse

The cleaner wrasse lives in the Indian and Pacific oceans where it feeds on parasites that encumber the mouth, fins, scales and gills of the other reef fishes. The maintenance that this small fish, which measures about 10 cm in length, provides is so appreciated that fish wait in line for its services. Cleaner wrasses can serve more than 2,000 “customers” a day! This relationship that benefits both parties is called mutualism.

The parrotfish

Parrotfish are brilliantly colored tropical fish that measure about 40 cm long. They have an imposing dentition that forms a sort of hooked beak, which is where they get their name. These strong teeth allow them to finely grind the seaweed and coral that they eat. Once the coral is digested, it is transformed into white sand. A single parrotfish excretes tens of kilograms of white sand each year, which significantly contributes to the formation of tropical beaches.

The porcupine fish

When it feels threatened, the porcupine fish fills its stomach with water and blows up like a balloon. Its spines, which are usually flattened against its body, stand on end. This carnivore, measuring 50 to 60 cm long on average, frequents the coral reefs and shallow coastal waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The sea snake

The family of sea snakes comprises more than 60 species, which live in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. These reptiles, most of which measure between 1 and 1.5 m in length, have a tail flattened like a paddle that allows them to swim easily. Sea snakes have an extremely dangerous venom that is much more powerful than that of any land snake.

The giant clam

The giant clam lives in the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans. More than 1 m wide and weighing about 200 kg, it is the largest shellfish in the world. This gigantic mollusk eats microscopic algae that it cultivates inside its own shell. The giant clam can live more than 100 years!

The sponge

Sponges are very simple and ancient creatures. They were among the first animals that evolved on Earth, hundreds of millions of years ago. There are about 9,000 species of different sizes and shapes that live attached to a variety of supports, including rocks and coral reefs. These immobile animals are covered in pores that absorb large amounts of water, supplying them with the oxygen and food they need.