10 curiosities about coral reefs What do you really know about them?

We are addicted to nature and everything related to it… We love it! This time we want you to discover with us the natural wonder of coral reefs. These subcutaneous ecosystems are extraordinarily diverse, formed in warm, clean, shallow waters of tropical seas. It is also possible, although not common, to find corals in deep, cold water and at the mouth of large rivers. Corals are the fundamental elements of reef construction, since both are shelters and food for many species.

Do you want to know more about these ecosystems?

Take a look at this list of curiosities that we have prepared

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT CORAL REEFS

1. Coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of external skeletons secreted by the corals themselves after dying. They are composed of calcium carbonate and aragonite. Corals are classified into soft and hard. The hard ones with those with the ability to build coral reefs, these being the most colorful and attractive for divers.

2. Coral reefs are the habitat of more than a quarter of the marine species that exist. In fact, the health of fish is due in large part to the presence and good condition of reefs. Its existence is also support for great cultural and leisure activities. Coral reefs are home to 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of corals, and thousands of other plants and animals.

3. Corals are animals! They are aquatic marine invertebrates known as polyps that live in the warm shallows of clear coastal waters around the world.

4. Corals are the fundamental building blocks of reefs Coral reefs are responsible for the formation of white sand beaches. When dying, the skeletons are dragged by the sea currents, and with the erosion of the waves and rocks, they break up, forming the beaches.

5. The great coral reefs are considered the oldest living animals in the world. Their durability is from 541 to 485.4 million years. Light and temperature are essential factors for the survival of corals. Its temperature should be between 25º and 30º C. If this is disturbed, it can cause the death of the corals.

6. Reproduction methods vary by species. Some species are hermaphrodites, meaning they can produce sperm and eggs at the same time. Other species are gonococcal, which produce colonies of only one sex. And other species reproduce by expelling large numbers of eggs and sperm into the surrounding water. This process is known as "coral spawning," where sperm and eggs fertilize in the water.

7. There are coral reefs in more than 100 countries around the world. The largest concentration of reefs is between the Red Sea and the Pacific Ocean. However, only tropical and subtropical corals form large reefs and shallow reefs. Hard and soft corals can be found in deep water.

8. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest marine park. It includes 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of molluscs. On the other hand, Belize's barrier reef is the second largest in the world after Australia's. It is about 300 kilometers long and 40 kilometers from the coast at its greatest distance from the shore, but only 300 meters to its closest point.

9. To protect the corals They are very sensitive animals and you should avoid hitting, touching or stepping on them since you can destroy the mucus that protects them. It is best not to boat or fish nearby; this could cause serious damage to the reef to the point of causing its death. When you go diving, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations and rules to protect them. The most important thing to contribute to the protection of these ecosystems is not to throw garbage or objects on the beach.

10. Coral reefs are being degraded Overfishing is one of the factors endangering coral reefs. Additionally, tourism, by not having regulations in certain countries, may cause damage to the ecosystem and the environment. It is said that, in the last 10 years, the incidence of diseases developed in corals has increased.

CORAL REEFS: A TREASURE OF OUR PLANET

Discover 10 curiosities about them that you didn't know with this infographic!

Not only because of the uniqueness of these ecosystems, but also because of everything that surrounds it, the experience of visiting a coral reef is undoubtedly one of the best attractions that people have visited in the world. For this same reason, for a few years now, they have been in serious danger due to pollution and environmental deterioration: they have halved in almost 30 years, a situation that is of particular concern to those who are dedicated to caring for the environment. Without a doubt, coral reefs are one of the treasures of our planet and we must appreciate and care for them all equally.

Did you know about the existence of this great ecosystem before? If not, surely from now on you want to meet him…