Scientific name : Anthozoa
Family : Alcyonacea
Native to : Oceans worldwide
Interesting fact : The Great Barrier reef in Australia is the largest coral reef that is 2600 km long.
Conservation status : Threatened
Corals are invertebrate animals that look like plants. Over 70,000 species of corals are known. They grow in clear, shallow waters with good sunlight. Each coral is called a polyp, which attaches to a rock, multiplies and forms colonies or reefs. Though translucent yet their colours are due to the algae that grow on them. They also have tentacles to feed on plankton, fish and shrimp. Reproduction is asexual. Lifespan is 15-30 years.
