Coral reefs are very diverse, with many different sizes and shapes. Some reefs look like large sponges or brains, while others appear almost like underwater cacti or cabbage. Polyps are often found in coral reef, as well as starfish and algae. Colors range across the spectrum, from bright orange or blue to dull yellow or brown.
Many types of coral reef exist around the world, including barrier reefs, fringing reefs, atoll reefs, bank reefs, table reefs and more. Individual kinds of reef species include microatolls, cays and guyots. And specific types of coral include table coral, staghorn coral, pillar coral, brain coral, spiral wire coral and many others.
Most coral reef can be found in the Indo Pacific regions of Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Pacific. Some of the major coral reefs are the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef of Mexico, the Andros Bahamas Barrier Reef and the Pulley Ridge reef in Florida.
Few coral reefs are found in deep waters, making up less than 10 percent in the world. Most reefs (over 90 percent) are along shorelines in warm regions, though they are rare along the American and African west coasts. Only about 1 percent of the earth's ocean is inhabited by coral reef, just over 100,000 square miles.
Many coral reefs are suffering from pollution, coal mining, fishing and canal digging. Eighty percent of the reefs in Southeast Asia are endangered. Most reefs are now Marine Protected Areas, meaning that intruders who damage coral reef are subject to penalties. Since so much marine life depends on coral reef, it is important to keep it protected from human harm.
