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What are the reasons why a coral reef is bright and colorful?

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The colors of a coral reef are due mostly to the algae (Symbiodinium) that are symbiotically harbored in the coral cells. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. read more

Coral reefs are calcium carbonate structures inhabited by animal colonies and vegetation. The animals, including polyps and fish, are very colorful to attract mates for reproduction. In addition, the vegetation, mostly consisting of zooxanthellae algae, is largely responsible for the bright colors of coral reefs. read more

We now have the answer. Our research at the Coral Reef Laboratory at the University of Southampton lets coral colours appear in a new light: as sunscreening pigments that help explain how corals adapt to environmental stress. Our findings are published in the journal Molecular Ecology. read more

Wallace suggested that the bright colors worn by reef fish may actually help them hide in an equally colorful environment. While fish are pink and green and purple and blue, so are the corals, sponges and other parts of the visually complex background behind them. read more

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