The Main Coral-Reef Players

for "parts of the reef" in profile click here

Coral
Shape
Location/Zone
Photograph

Millepora (Fire Coral)

Encrusting

Shallow reef crest

Photo by D. Hubbard (St. Croix)

Coralline Algae (Algal Ridge)

Encrusting

Shallow reef crest (high energy)

Photo by D. Hubbard (Tikehau)

Acropora palmata

Branching

Shallow forereef

Photo by D. Hubbard (Buck Island)

Acropora cervicornis

Branching

Mixed Zone (mid forereef or backreef)

photo by Rich Aronson from Belize

Montastrea annularis

Forereef (D=30-60 ft)

Photo by D. Hubbard (Buck Island)

Diploria sp

Massive

Massive/Mixed Zone (30-60 ft)

Photo by D. Hubbard (USVI)

Porites porites

Massive/Finger Coral

Mixed/Massive Coral Zone (forereef or backreef)

Photo by D. Hubbard (St. Croix)

Agaricia sp.

Platy Coral

Deep forereef

Photo by D. Hubbard (Cane Bay)
For QUIZ: Be able to identify these main corals, to describe their shapes and where they live. Think a little about why they are found in the zone where they are.