Coral reefs, delicate and vital, can be found worldwide. Most thrive in shallow, clean ocean waters on either side of the Equator, as they require sunlight and warm temperatures all year to survive.

When you gaze at a coral reef, you're not just seeing a cluster of colorful rocks. You're witnessing the breathtaking beauty of living creatures called coral polyps, most of which are only a few millimeters wide. Their intricate structures and vibrant colors inspire a sense of wonder.

These polyps grow into colonies as they build their hard calcium-based skeletons next to each other. Over many years, they create reef structures weighing up to several tons. 

Coral is well known for its bright, colorful appearance. Reefs often resemble underwater gardens, boasting various shapes and shades. This color is caused by a special type of algae that lives below the tissue of a polyp, using sunlight to provide food and help the coral grow.

Many different sea creatures, from giant clams to seahorses, call coral reefs their home. The reefs provide this diverse range of animals with everything they need, including food and shelter. They are home to around 25% of all marine species.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most extensive reef system in the world. There is also the Amazon Reef in Brazil and French Guiana, the Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines, and the Miami Terrace Reef in Florida; the only reef in the United States.