All articles tagged with #coral
Citizen scientists identify a Pavona clavus coral off Cairns spanning about 111 meters and covering roughly 3,973 square meters, potentially making it one of the reef’s largest colonies. Genetic testing is needed to confirm if it is a single organism or multiple close colonies, with size mapped via photogrammetry and implications for reef resilience.
A mother-daughter team with Citizens of the Reef identified the world’s largest known coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef—a Pavona clavus spanning about 111 meters and covering roughly 3,973 square meters—verified by underwater measurements and a 3D model; the exact location isn’t released to protect the site, and the find underscores the value of citizen science in reef monitoring amid ongoing bleaching.
Australian photographer Ross Gudgeon won the grand prize at the Close-Up Photographer of the Year with an extreme close-up of a cauliflower-soft coral in Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait, captured using an underwater probe lens; the 7th edition drew over 12,000 entries from 63 countries across multiple macro and micro categories, highlighting tiny wonders from mayflies and stingless bees to moths and frogs in vivid, intimate detail.
Researchers using ROVs discovered a new bioluminescent coral species, Corallizoanthus aureus, emitting green light only when disturbed in a deep-sea cave near Japan, revealing new insights into deep-sea survival strategies and the potential defensive role of bioluminescence.
New research indicates that some corals may be adapting to increased ocean acidity, continuing to build their skeletons despite climate change concerns, offering a hopeful sign for reef resilience, though further studies are needed.
A comprehensive study on the evolutionary history of corals reveals their resilience and vulnerability to climate change and ocean chemistry changes over millions of years, highlighting both their past adaptability and current risks.
The pygmy sea horse, a tiny fish living among corals in the Pacific, has evolved a unique appearance that mimics its coral environment, including a coral-like face and knobs, which helps it hide from predators and gain immunity to coral venom, illustrating nature's creativity in adaptation.
Scientists have discovered a massive 34-meter-wide coral colony off the Solomon Islands, believed to be the largest living organism on Earth, dating back to the time of Napoleon. This Pavona clavus coral, over 300 years old, showcases remarkable resilience amidst environmental changes, offering hope for coral conservation amid climate change challenges. The discovery, made during a National Geographic expedition, highlights the unexplored wonders of the ocean and has spurred local conservation efforts to protect the area.
Scientists have discovered two new species of bacteria, Oceanoplasma callogorgiae and Thalassoplasma callogorgiae, in deep-sea coral in the Gulf of Mexico. These mollicutes have extremely small genomes, with only 359 and 385 protein-encoding genes, compared to the average bacterium's 3,000. They survive symbiotically in the coral's mesoglea, obtaining energy from an amino acid rather than carbohydrates. The discovery highlights the minimal genetic requirements for cellular life and introduces a new bacterial family, Oceanoplasmataceae.
The world's largest coral, a 300-year-old Pavona clavus, has been discovered near the Solomon Islands and is visible from space. This "mega coral" measures 105 by 111 feet and provides essential habitat for marine species. Despite its size and remote location, it remains vulnerable to climate change and human threats. The discovery coincides with the UN climate summit, highlighting the urgency of ocean conservation amid a global coral bleaching event.
The world's largest known coral, a Pavona clavus, has been discovered in the Solomon Islands' coral triangle, measuring 183 meters in circumference and visible from space. This standalone coral, aged between 300 and 500 years, supports diverse marine life and highlights the ecological importance of the region. Despite its remote location, the coral faces threats from global warming and human activities, underscoring the need for conservation efforts. The discovery is significant for both scientific understanding and the cultural identity of the Solomon Islands' communities.
Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral near the Solomon Islands, measuring 32 meters long and 34 meters wide, and believed to be 300 years old. This "mega coral" is a standalone organism, providing essential habitat for marine life. Despite its size and vibrant colors, it faces threats from climate change, highlighting the urgency of global conservation efforts. The discovery coincides with the UN climate summit, emphasizing the need to protect such vital ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean, visible from space and estimated to be over 300 years old. This massive coral, found during a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, is three times larger than the previous record-holder and provides a habitat for diverse marine life. While the discovery offers hope for coral resilience, it also highlights the threats posed by climate change and human activities. The finding coincides with global climate discussions at COP29, emphasizing the need for increased efforts to combat carbon emissions.
Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral in the Pacific Ocean near the Solomon Islands, measuring 34 meters wide and potentially over 300 years old. Found by a National Geographic team, this coral is in good health despite global warming threats, likely due to its deeper location. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, especially for small island nations like the Solomon Islands, which rely heavily on marine resources. The find coincides with COP29 climate talks, emphasizing the need for increased financial support to combat climate change impacts.
Scientists from the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census have discovered a unique coral in the deep Arctic Ocean, likely a new species, living on the stalk of a crinoid. This discovery highlights the diversity of corals and the importance of deep-sea exploration, especially as these fragile ecosystems face threats from climate change and potential deep-sea mining.