Corals are marine invertebrates that belong to the class Anthozoa within the phylum Cnidaria. They are sessile organisms that form the foundation of coral reefs, which are diverse and productive marine ecosystems. Corals are known for their calcium carbonate skeletons, which provide a structural framework for the reef.

Corals have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral’s tissues and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. In return, corals offer protection and a stable environment for the algae.

Corals come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be classified into two main types: hard corals (scleractinians) and soft corals. Hard corals secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton that forms the backbone of the reef structure. Soft corals, on the other hand, lack a hard skeleton and have flexible and fleshy bodies.

Corals reproduce through different methods. They can reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, resulting in the fertilization of nearby corals. They can also reproduce asexually through fragmentation, where broken pieces of coral can grow into new colonies.

Corals are highly diverse and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They provide shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources for numerous marine organisms. They also help protect coastlines from erosion and support the overall health of the oceans by filtering water and participating in nutrient cycling.

However, corals are also highly sensitive to environmental changes, including rising water temperatures, pollution, and ocean acidification. These factors contribute to coral bleaching and can lead to the decline and degradation of coral reefs. Conservation efforts, such as reducing pollution and mitigating climate change, are vital for the protection and preservation of coral ecosystems.

Choosing corals for an aquarium requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure their compatibility with your setup and their overall well-being.

To make a selection the aquarist needs to do their research.  What are the aquarium conditions: temperature, salinity, pH, lighting intensity,etc.

Choose wisely among the many corals available.  Select mushroom, torch, or brain corals at first.  As you become more experienced select m ore delicate corals to accent your reef aquarium.

To assist in this effort review the table below for a sampling of corals to select from.