Beautiful corals. Coral reefs of the Red Sea. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Coral is a structure made up of millions of very small marine animals called polyps. The polyp, which is tube-shaped, is only an inch long. At the end of this tube is a mouth surrounded by tentacles that bring sea creatures to it. The color of corals is very diverse, as well as their shapes and sizes. They have both an internal and an external skeleton. They can be soft or hard, black, smooth or prickly and other types. Some are like feathers, others are like fingers. The polyps are hollow and attach themselves to other polyps or to limestone rocks to form large structures. Almost all corals live together in groups called colonies. Very large colonies are called reefs. Polyps take calcium from seawater and turn it into limestone around their lower body. New polyps grow and the limestone structure gets bigger and bigger.

Corals live in oceans all over the world, but survive best in warm water. In tropical oceans, they form large structures called atolls. Atolls grow around old volcanoes and form ring-shaped islands. Coral polyps eat small marine animals such as jellyfish larvae. Some people need seaweed to survive. Corals can reproduce by budding. Small buds appear on the body of the polyp. They grow up and separate from their parents. Corals can also lay eggs that grow into new colonies. Some types of coral live for hundreds of years.

coral reef

A coral reef is an underwater mountain formed by coral skeletons. Reefs are also made up of other living things such as seaweed or shellfish. The coral reef has vibrant colors and can grow for hundreds of years without being destroyed by the ocean. Location of coral reefs around the world.

Reef types:

• Reef line - located near the coast line they are usually the youngest reef forms
• Barrier reefs are located farther from the coast, they form a wall between shallow water near the coast and open sea some barrier reefs are very large The longest is 2 thousand kilometers long The Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia
• Atolls are ring-shaped reefs. They form when old volcano erupts and sinks into the sea The reef grows upward from the edge of the volcanoes along with the lagoon formed in the middle
  Most reefs need warm water to survive They grow best in water that is at least between 16 and 20 degrees. Reefs also need enough sunlight to eat. Coral reefs can also be found in the warm ocean waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as in the Caribbean Sea and the east coast of the central part South America They usually grow very slowly, no more than 10 cm per year. They can be found near the surface where they get enough sunlight.

Life on coral reefs

A coral reef can have thousands of different types of corals and other organisms. This would be a record if not for the rainforests, which can contain even more different organisms. That is why coral reefs are called tropical forests seas. Many fish species live near coral reefs. Their bodies have the ability to change, which makes it possible for them to live and find food in this area. In addition, coral reefs are home to crabs, lobsters, octopuses, starfish and other invertebrates.

Significance of corals and coral reefs:

1. Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide, a gas that is responsible for the greenhouse effect.
2. Reefs protect islands and continents from waves and storms and allow other species to thrive in the shallow waters near the coast.
3. The coral reef is a complex ecosystem with various types organisms. Without reefs, they would die.
4. Coral skeletons are used as substances for bones and other parts of our body.
5. Coral reefs are living laboratories for scientists and students.
6. The reefs attract millions of tourists every year.
7. People make jewelry made from coral reefs.

Major threats to coral reefs:

Corals are not just calcareous structures created by polyps. This is one of the most incredible life forms on earth. Our top 10 includes the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

Why are corals so attractive? First, its amazing natural beauty, a variety of shapes, the number of colors and shades, which reaches 400. Secondly, they do not appear anywhere: corals need pure water and warm climate. And, perhaps, the main thing is fish and other fauna of the most incredible shapes and colors, which, by their presence, creates an integral picture of indescribable beauty.

10. Barrier in the Red Sea (Egypt)

The coral reefs of the Red Sea may not be the most beautiful in the world, but they have very rare and interesting shades of some colors, such as yellow, red and pink. Corals located close to the coast attract snorkelers and divers from many countries, especially post-Soviet ones. Frankly speaking, it is last fact and became the reason for inclusion in our top 10.

9. Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean (Seychelles) It occupies 200 km² and is notable for the fact that it has survived to this day almost in its original state. All thanks to the fact that, once a pirate island, long time was well hidden and represented hard-to-reach place. Now the beauty of this amazing coral reef is under the protection of the local government and UNESCO. The atoll is also notable for its huge population of turtles, reaching 150,000 individuals.

8. Roatan Island in the Caribbean (Honduras)

Here is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the largest in the world. Diving began to develop here relatively recently, some 10 years ago, and man has not yet managed to exert his detrimental effect on this beautiful underwater corner of the planet. Therefore, if you want to admire the fish surrounded by pristine beauty, hurry up!

7. Palancar Reef in the Caribbean (Mexico)

Stretching for 5 km, the reef is notable for its structure: there are many underwater caves, branches and crevices where you can see quite rare black corals, and at the same time get acquainted with a variety of marine life forms. Here you can meet giant barracuda, moray eels, spotted eagle rays, spiny lobsters, crabs, lobsters, as well as many colorful tropical fish.

6. Tubbataha in the Sulu Sea (Philippines)

This is a whole national park, an object world heritage UNESCO. He is about 15 million years old, so he takes pride of place among the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and the most ancient. On a relatively small area (7,030 hectares) there are 75% of the corals existing on the planet (almost 400 species), and about 40% of the studied reef fish (more than 500 varieties). About 1000 species of marine animals live in the local waters, including dolphins, sharks and whales. The fact that the schedule of local tourist boats for diving is scheduled for a year in advance suggests that Tubbataha rightly got into our TOP-10.

5. Raja Ampat in the Indian Ocean (Indonesia)

According to some estimates, this is where you can find the most big variety marine life. No wonder this place is called World Richest Reefs(eng. the richest reefs in the world). There are over 1200 species of reef fish (25 of which are endemic). The diversity of corals is so great that it is 10 times greater than all existing in Caribbean views combined! On top of that, at least a hundred sunken ships and aircraft have been recorded in the vicinity. Isn't this every diver's dream?

4. Coral reefs of the Andaman Sea (India)

At one time they delighted the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who shot here documentary. It was here that 111 varieties of corals were discovered, previously unknown to science. The most beautiful site is located on the territory of the National marine park named after Mahatma Gandhi. Here you can admire stingrays, dolphins, turtles, as well as schools of colorful fish swimming calmly around enthusiastic divers.

3. Apo in the South China Sea (Philippines)

It occupies 34 km², is home to several different ecosystems at once. The title of one of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet Apo owes much to the water with its unique transparency. On clear and calm days, visibility can exceed 50 meters. And there is something to see here: several varieties of sharks and rays, huge tunas, lobsters, gorgonians, as well as many sea snakes that make you shudder at every accidental touch, especially at night.

2. Belize Barrier Reef Atlantic Ocean(Belize)

It ranks second in the ranking of the best coral reefs in the world. Its length is 280 km, and on such a vast territory there is an unimaginable variety of living organisms. And the most interesting thing is that, according to scientists, the reef has been studied by only 10-15%. Therefore, among the 140 thousand divers who annually visit this place, there are many who want to become pioneers.

The highlight of this beautiful place is the so-called "Big blue hole". It is a blue-black circle with a diameter of 300 meters, which seems to be bottomless. Almost the only inhabitants of the cave (which is actually a “hole”) are sharks, they can be seen even from the surface. The sight is very impressive!

1. Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea (Australia)

The largest coral reef in the world is also considered the most beautiful. Its area is almost 345,000 km², this miracle of nature can be seen even from space. As a colony of coral polyps, this aquatic oasis is considered the largest ecosystem on the planet. There are over 400 varieties of corals and more than one and a half thousand species of inhabitants, including whales and sharks, octopuses and squids, parrot fish and butterfly fish, rays, crustaceans, turtles ... The Great Barrier Reef is rightly considered valuable object world heritage.

Egypt - start ancient civilization, "pearl of the east", a blessed land. This is the country of the sun and the warm sea.

Egypt is huge Arab country occupying part Sinai Peninsula And large area North Africa. Part of Egypt is hilly or sandy desert interspersed with oases. The remaining small part is the delta and valley of the Nile River, inhabited by 65 million people.
here is mild, subtropical. Warm sea, upscale hotels, many tourist routes able to make your vacation in this country unforgettable and exciting.

Coral reefs in Egypt

Diversity underwater world in the Red Sea is a godsend for those who like to enjoy underwater beauties. This is a pearl that attracts diving enthusiasts. Even beginners inexperienced in underwater sports, getting to the resorts of Egypt for the first time, become true connoisseurs of the indescribable beauties of the Red Sea. It offers vacationers to enjoy the contemplation of a huge number of species of fish, there are about one hundred and fifty types of corals.

All wealth sea ​​depths are a national treasure. The authorities of the country show attention and concern for the preservation of national wealth. Therefore, causing any harm to the flora and fauna of the underwater world is subject to large fines and certain sanctions.

In some places, coral reefs are located along the coast. They amaze with a variety of shapes and colors. Corals can be branched, flat, round, dark blue to pale pink. It is noteworthy that only living corals are colored. After death and loss of soft integumentary tissues, corals leave a white-calcium skeleton.

What are corals

This is a class of invertebrates marine type cnidarians. Their polyps, living at depths, in warm tropical seas, feed on plankton. The temperature of the water where corals live must be at least twenty degrees Celsius. Coral islands, like reefs, are formed by large accumulations of corals.

They are called the sea "treasures" of Egypt. This is a real marine oasis.

Other articles on Egypt:
We will tell you what can be remembered in one of the most ancient countries in the world.
Going to rest, do not forget to get acquainted with the weather.
We decided to relax in, find out the most favorable places for this.

Where are the best corals in Egypt

South Sinai- this is a huge expanse for diving enthusiasts, stretching from Sharm el-Sheikh to the Ras Muhammad National Park. The Strait of Tiran stretches here, with a series of various coastal reefs.

Ras Muhammad Reserve stretched from Sinai to the depths of the Red Sea. There are three main areas where diving centers are concentrated.

The most famous area is called Shark Reef.
It forms the top of an underwater mountain that rises off the coast. It is separated from the land by a shallow strait. It is known for its sheer wall, which goes deeper than fifty meters. The coral thickets here amaze with their density and magnificence. They are especially visible on flat and small areas. The coral species found here are Dendronephthya and Acropora, Gorgon corals, disc and head corals.

Dedelus Reef
Located along the coast of Egypt towards Saudi Arabia.
This is an isolated small reef. In depth, it descends to seventy meters. The concentration of active growth of corals is observed here from the western slope.

Marsa Alam
The resort prides itself on its main attraction, its pristine coral coast. The water here is crystal clear and very rich in flora and fauna. A huge advantage of the resort is peace and quiet, beautiful coastal reefs. Here is a famous diving school in all of Egypt. This perfect place for diving.

Abu Dabbab has a huge number of corals, forming dense pillars that rise to the surface of the sea.

Elphistone rightly called the pearl of corals. It is small in size. Its sheer walls go to great depths. They are just covered with all sorts of corals of different types.

Shaab Samadai- the shape of this reef is similar to a horseshoe, which distinguishes it from the rest. It has an impressive size. Differs in the richness of the underwater world.

Shaab Sharm- located 8 km. from Marsa Alam. Oche

H is a large hammer-shaped reef. It is covered with thickets of corals. Scuba diving enthusiasts noted as a place with a huge wealth of the underwater world.

Where are the best corals in Egypt in Hurghada

In the water surroundings, there are about forty places that are distinguished by a variety of fauna, flora and relief. Each of them is unique.

Here are some of the most famous:

Small Giftun
This is a coral sanctuary owned by National Park"Giftun". Gardens of corals, gorgonians grow on the eastern side of the island.

Abu Ramada Hulk. It is popular for its sheer wall, which goes seventy meters deep. There is an underwater ten-meter through cave - this is an interesting tunnel for divers in the reef. On the north side of "Abu Ramada" is a beautiful plateau. A little to the north there is a wide cave, popular with divers. Despite the strong currents characteristic of these places, it is the most attractive for divers due to the extraordinary beauty of the plateau and the coral wall. But the best place is South side. Here you can dive in any weather, almost complete protection from winds and currents.

"Reef Carless"- known for his lush coral garden and two coral towers. Carless is appreciated by the variety of relief, although it is the most remote reef in the vicinity of Hurghada. It stands on the open sea. It doesn't come out of the water.

"El Fanadir"- the longest reef in the vicinity of Hurghada, with a length of more than two km.

Where are the best corals in Egypt at

There are reefs almost everywhere in this area. But there are several places where they are most picturesque.

The brightest can be called Bay "Ras Um Sid". Its coral reefs are among the most magnificent. In some places, the coast line descends smoothly into the depths. And the reef itself goes deep into sixty meters.

It deserves to be called the second in beauty and sophistication. The reef is very beautiful and lively.

The most beautiful corals in Egypt on the islands

However, in order to see the rarest types of corals, it is advisable to visit Ras Muhamed Nature Reserve. There you can buy an excursion on a yacht to one of the islands and spend the whole day enjoying the beauty of the richest flora.

Such islands can be found in coastal zones, as, for example, in Sharm, or on the high seas.

In Egypt, a lot of exciting things are offered. Excursions to the islands with corals are designed for the whole day.

You will be able to independently explore all the beauties of the underwater world. Far from the coastline, on the islands water world seems untouched and surprisingly diverse.

Here are a few of the many famous coral islands Egypt:

Tiran Island
It is a beautiful place for snorkeling and diving. Here in the strait there are several coral reefs. Intricate corals, shells, sponges, gorgonians grow on them. There are frequent meetings with representatives of the aquatic fauna. You can watch dolphins and turtles. Excursion program involves snorkelling.

Islands Brothers
They are also called El Akhawain. These are two small islands in the northern part of the Egyptian coast, located in the open sea.
The islands are represented by the tops of two huge reef peaks. This is one of the largest reefs in the area.

Near the islands, an unprecedented diversity of coral population flourishes, which densely stuck to all the slopes of the reefs. At a depth in the zone of strong currents, favorable conditions have been created for species such as eight-pointed gorgon and soft, stony corals.

Rocky Island
The island is located 50 km from the Egyptian coast. This islet is highly valued by divers for its steep walls and narrow slope. sandbar which is open to strong sea currents.

On the border, the reef has many narrow coves, caves and kinks. The coral growth here is lush, not spoiled by anyone. It is distinguished by the presence of soft species and fragile luminous forms. Stony corals are found everywhere, stony corals are visible here, and along the wall there are gorgonians, as well as eight-pointed corals.

Hotels with coral reefs in Egypt

Hurghada

The beaches in Hurghada are mostly sandy, the entry into the sea is smooth and convenient, especially for children or those who cannot swim.
Coral reef is not available in all hotels. But you can enjoy a boat ride to the nearest reef.

Here are some hotels best reefs in Khurad:

Carols Makadi Resort 5*- This hotel has a diving center on the beach. There is a very beautiful underwater world.

Iberotel Arabella 4*- located in a small cove. The bay is separated from the sea. Suitable for recreation lovers of coastal reefs. They are stretched all over the beach here.

Iberotel Makadi Beach 4*- They offer dives. There are several unique and beautiful places.

«Magic Life Kalawy Imperial 5*»- Close to coral reefs. The hotel is popular with divers.

And:

Zahabia 4*;
"Coral Beach Rotana Resort" 4 * (one of the best reef);
Arabia Azur 4*;
Arabella Azur 4*;
Bel Air Azure" 4*;
«Grand Azur Horizont» 4*.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharks Bay is famous for its coral reefs.

Diving lovers are accommodated in hotels:

"Concorde El Salam", ;
Island View Resort, ;
Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

Reef Oasis 5*
The distance to the airport is 14 km, to Naama Bay - 7 km, on the coastline.
The buildings are one- or two-story, there are no elevators. Rooms - 628 rooms.
All inclusive food system. Three restaurants, five bars. There is a disco, sports events are held. Seven outdoor pools, two of which are heated. There is a kids club, a teen club, a playground with attractions for children.

Tropicana Grand Azure 5*
The best in the price-quality category.
The area is large and green. Great animation. The entrance to the sea is only on the pontoon. There is a coral reef. And of course the Black House disco and animation shows!

Coral Beach Montazah 4*
This four star hotel located in quiet bay Shark Bay. Tourists are attracted here by untouched reefs. It is interesting that ships do not sail here. Therefore, these places are considered a real paradise for diving enthusiasts. The hotel has a professional diving school.

Why are corals dangerous in Egypt?

It is dangerous to swim among corals, you should not forget about it.
Coral sponges are poisonous. Small, inconspicuous poisonous arrows are thrown out immediately after a person touches. As a result, redness on the skin, itching, blisters and hematomas may appear. Temperature rise is possible.
It is clear that such troubles can significantly spoil the rest.
But, if you prudently take care of the necessary means of protection, you will be safe. Because corals don't move!

On any beach, you will be advised to purchase special safety shoes. It can be plastic or rubber, it is comfortable and practical, you can swim in it. In these slippers you will be safe.
Such slippers are sold in Egyptian stores.

But in addition to buying shoes, you need to understand a few important rules:

“You don’t need to step on the corals. The leg can fall into the crevice between the corals and get hurt;
- Corals are covered with slime, so if you step on them, you can slip;
- You can't touch the corals.

If the trouble still happened, then, first of all, immediately contact the hotel's medical staff.

Steps you can take on your own:

- treatment of the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin with food vinegar;
- lubricate the wounds with synthomycin emulsion.

Buy corals in Egypt

, donated by the Red Sea, everyone really wants to bring home.

You can purchase and export any souvenirs made from corals or shells. It is advisable to keep the receipt.
The export of live corals is prohibited by law in the country. There is a heavy fine for violation. But, if you bought coral in a store, it is packaged, there is a check, then there will be no problems. If you want to take shells with you, you can also buy them in the store.

Coral reef - is a huge colony, consisting of billions of tiny creatures - coral polyps. Their length is only a few millimeters. They absorb calcium dissolved in sea ​​water, forming from it the calcareous skeleton of the colony.

The most famous and longest coral reef stretches for almost two thousand kilometers along east coast Australia is. It consists of many coral islands. It consists of about 2,900 individual reefs and 71 islands. Some call this reef the eighth wonder of the world, but for scuba divers, this is the most popular place. Its age is not less than ten thousand years. Reefs grow from different speed. Some manage to grow 20 centimeters from year to year, while others barely add 20 millimeters.

About 4,000 species of mollusks, about 2,000 species of fish, 1,000 different sponges, 350 species of starfish and other echinoderms live in coral reefs. In total, there are almost two and a half thousand reef-forming corals.

Hollows are visible on the surface of the reefs: polyps hid in them and wait for their prey. Polyps catch plankton. They are helped to hunt by their stinging capsules, whose touch is also unpleasant for humans.

A German journalist, Alfrem Brehm, cites the story of a scientist who studied corals: “I am trying to break off a branch from another coral, but again unsuccessfully: the coral turns out to be burning and at the first touch my hand starts to burn terribly, as if it had been burned.” Polyps feed on unicellular, as well as larvae of worms and tiny crustaceans teeming in plankton.

In addition, they absorb the nutrients contained in the water. However, this diet is not sufficient for most corals. Therefore, they live in symbiosis with unicellular algae. Algae help the corals by supplying them with oxygen, and in return they receive minerals. It is algae that paint tropical coral reefs in amazing colors.

And so, all this is good, and there are many advantages for the animal world from coral reefs, as we see. But, in 1998 in the Pacific and Indian Oceans began to notice the death of coastal corals. And it turned out that a quarter of the entire Great Barrier Reef was damaged. The decline in the number of reefs is observed today, scientists are working on this problem. They argue that if things go on like this, then humanity will also have problems, and not just the fish world.

Corals are dying primarily because the water in the oceans is getting warmer due to the greenhouse effect. This conclusion was made by employees of the National Oceanographic Institute of the United States, Corals are very sensitive to all changes in temperature. In tropical seas, the water is usually warmed up to 26 - 28 degrees. If for a few days it rises by only one degree, then the corals already become uneasy: they experience real stress. And there comes a state in which they are forced to reject the algae with which they live in symbiosis. The reefs are discolored, their variegated color fades. The lush underwater forest turns into a dull, whitish frame made up of calcareous skeletons.

Australian biologist Professor Ove Heg-Guldberg from the University of Sydney confirmed this conjecture with the help of simple experiments (their results were published in the summer of 1999). He placed the corals in a simple aquarium and heated the water in it, after a while their fertility dropped by 40 percent. If the extinction of coral reefs continues, the seas will become completely different, their water world will become scarcer.

Here is what the famous 19th-century zoologist Alfred Edmund Brehm wrote about coral reefs - “wonderful coral thickets surpass the mythical gardens of the Hesperides.” Coral reefs provide a huge service to cities by serving as natural breakwaters. In addition, some coral species are used in medicine, such as Eleutherobia. This type produces the protein eleutherobin, which stops the development of cancer cells.

In general, coral reefs feed many and are useful to many, including humans. But there is a way out, you can restore the dead sections of the reef. Many species of reef breed only once a year, throwing out their germ cells in the spring, on a full moon. For several days, the sea near the reef is covered with an abundant slimy mass. Then the larvae sink to the bottom, forming a new colony or growing together with the parent community.

Thus, this building material can be transferred to problem areas.

Or is there another, more interesting way. A wire is taken, pubescent in water, passing a small current through it. Soon the metal is covered with a crust: brucite and calcium carbonate are deposited on it - substances containing magnesium and calcium. This crust serves as a haven for corals and molluscs. Over time, the reef grows. In this way, you can control the general appearance of the reef. For example, you can extend a line along the beach.

coral reef photo

There are many lists touting the seven wonders of the ancient world, the new world, various countries and continents, but no list has yet been created for the seven wonders of the underwater world. In 1989 CEDAM International, an international association of divers, decided to create their own ranking describing the world's most breathtaking underwater locations. This article is waiting for you fascinating excursion on the seas, lakes and oceans, offering a virtual acquaintance with the 7 wonders of the underwater world.

1. Galapagos Islands: Located in pacific ocean, west of Ecuador, Galapagos Islands rose from the earth's crust from an ocean volcano at the bottom of the ocean. The relatively new volcanic geology has created a habitat rich in flora, fauna and animal life that has been studied and admired by numerous travelers, scientists and nature lovers from every continent.