World’s largest coral found in…, it is longer than a blue whale and can be seen from…

The world’s largest coral has been discovered by the National Geographic Pristine Seas program in October to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands in October. Measuring an impressive 112×105 feet and located at a depth of 42 feet, the coral stands 16 feet tall. Despite its massive size, it remained hidden until now. This coral is estimated to be over 300 years old. Molly Timmers, the lead scientist on the expedition, shared that the discovery occurred unexpectedly during a night when the team was transitioning to another section of their study area. A videographer investigating the effects of climate change on the Pacific stumbled upon this extraordinary coral.

It’s three times larger than the previous record-breaker in American Samoa, according to Pristine Seas, and longer than a blue whale, the planet’s biggest animal.

Identified as a type of hard coral called Pavona clavus or “shoulder blade coral,” it features distinctive column-like structures resembling shoulders. The coral’s primary color is brown, but hues of yellow, red, pink, and blue can also be seen.

What does coral look like?

A coral, or reef-forming organism, is a marine animal that thrives in warm, shallow waters. These incredible underwater structures are formed by thousands or even millions of tiny coral polyps. Polyps are soft-bodied creatures that secrete calcium carbonate, which builds up over time to create a coral reef.

Corals are visually stunning and often compared to an “underwater cathedral,” as described by photographer Manu San Félix. This is due to their intricate structures and vibrant colors, ranging from browns to yellows, reds, pinks, and blues. These colors often come from symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live inside the coral polyps and contribute to their survival.

The newly discovered giant coral colony in the Pacific, for instance, is made up of over a billion tiny organisms working together as a single entity. Despite their rocky appearance, corals are living organisms and belong to the same group as jellyfish and sea anemones. Many people, like the locals near this discovery, often mistake them for simple underwater rocks.

However, corals are increasingly threatened by warming oceans and climate change, leading to events like coral bleaching. Some deep-water corals, such as the recently found “shoulder blade coral” (Pavona clavus), may have avoided these dangers by existing in cooler, deeper waters.

Key facts about Corals

Corals, often regarded as one of the most stunning marine organisms, are critical for maintaining ocean ecosystems. Here are some essential facts:

• Microscopic Organisms: Corals are formed by tiny organisms called polyps. These polyps live in large groups and create intricate reef systems.
• Calcium Carbonate Structure: Polyps secrete calcium carbonate, which hardens over time to form the coral’s rigid, shell-like structure.
• Reef Formation: When a polyp dies, its hardened structure remains, and new polyps grow over it. This process leads to the gradual expansion of coral reefs.
• Vibrant Colors: Corals exhibit a variety of colors, such as red, pink, yellow, and green. These hues often come from symbiotic algae living within the coral tissue.
• Ecological Importance: Coral reefs serve as habitats for countless marine species and play a crucial role in coastal protection and supporting biodiversity.