A colorful coral reef with many fish swimming around it.

Coral Reefs

Corals, sponges, and algae are the major components of most coral reef communities as shown in this picture.

Coral Overview

Are you a student researching corals or someone looking to learn more about coral reefs? This overview dives into everything to know.

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Featured Content

Improving Grades for the Mesoamerican Reef

Fish swimming in waters of Bay Islands, Honduras

Cabo Pulmo – Giving Optimism to Coral Reefs

Three gray fish swim in front of a large coral head.

Are You An Educator?

At Smithsonian Ocean, we have lesson plans, activities, and resources to help you engage your students in the wonders of our oceans.
see all lesson plans see coral lesson plans

Coral Reefs Articles

A Brittle Star May Be a Coral’s Best Friend

A brittle star clings to the branches of a deep sea coral

A Pleasant Surprise: The Recovery of Bleached Panamanian Corals

An underwater photo of coral recovering from a bleaching event.

The Great Barrier Reef – Going, Going, Gone???

Colorful corals are disappearing in the Great Barrier Reef.

Microbes Help Corals Pick a Home and Settle Down

Pink crustose algae covers the surface of a rock.