Coral Species Count in the Great Barrier Reef

Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef: Corals and Beyond

The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, hosts an extraordinary diversity of life. Regarding corals specifically:

Hard Corals (Scleractinia)

Approximately 400 species of hard, reef-building corals have been recorded. These form the structural framework of the reef.

Soft Corals and Sea Fans

In addition, over 150 species of soft corals (Alcyonacea) and gorgonians add three-dimensional complexity.

Total Coral Diversity

Combining hard and soft corals, the reef supports over 600 coral species—about 75% of all known coral species globally.

Associated Biodiversity (for context)

• Fish: >1,500 species
• Mollusks: >4,000 species
• Crustaceans: >1,300 species
• Echinoderms: >600 species
• Marine algae: >500 species
• Seabirds: 200+ species
• Marine reptiles: 6 sea turtle species, sea snakes

This unparalleled richness earned the reef UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981. However, climate change (bleaching), crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and water quality decline threaten this diversity.