Corals

Bangka Island Has A New Dive Site, And You’re Gonna Love It!
Tanjung Merah Earlier this month we had the chance to dive around Bangka Island with Sulawesi dive guru Danny Charlton, and he made sure to pick out the cream of the crop for our exploration dives. What really keeps me excited…
Indonesian Coral Diaries – Isopora palifera

Isopora palifera is easily one of the most recognizable corals throughout the Indo-Pacific. If you are just starting to learn coral identification Isopora is one of the easiest corals to spot. Isopora forms robust colonies with thick blades, and the…

There’s Still Hope For Caribbean Coral Reefs

Hope For Coral Reefs Globally coral reefs are under threat. Climat change, population growth, and coastal development all pose a greater risk than even to the survival of these critical underwater habitats. But there’s still hope. Scientist in the Caribbean have…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Acropora prolifera

Acropora prolifera  Acropora prolifera is the most unique and perhaps most difficult species of coral to identify in the Caribbean. Acorpora prolifera is a hybrid of Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata so it’s difficult to predict just how this coral will…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Porites divaricata

Porites divaricata Porites divaricata is the smallest species of Porites in the Caribbean. Colonies grow into small branched clusters and can be found in a range of habitats and colors. When we first spotted this species we were surprised to…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Porites colonensis

Porites colonensis Porites is one of the most abundant coral in the Caribbean with six described species. Porites colonensis, however, is one of the more elusive of the bunch and you will need a keen eye to identify this unusual species.…

Caribbean Coral Diares: Madracis auretenra

Madracis auretenra Madracis auretenra is a common coral in the Caribbean which until 2007 used to be called Madracis mirabilis. Colonies form dense hemispherical clumps that can be several metres across. The ends of each branch are covered in living tissue but it…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Porites porites

Porites porites Porites porites is a chubby branching coral with long elegant polyps. Colonies grow into tight clusters and can be found in the shallowest part of the reef down past recreational diving limits. Porites coral can be recognized by…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Agaricia tenuifolia

Undaria Agaricia tenuifolia Undaria Agaricia tenuifolia was a coral that was never on my radar until I visited Tela Honduras. In Tela, Agaricia covers the top of shallow coral ridges growing like a weed. This coral aggressively competes for space on the reef. The genus Undaria…

Caribbean Coral Diaries: Acropora palmata

Acropora palmata Acropora palmata is the king of all Caribbean corals. Acropora palmata grows into thick robust branches and is the most important reef-building species in the Caribbean. Like it’s thinner cousin, Acropora cervicornis, palmata colonies provide complex habitat for juvenile fish. As…