What are these different types of coral reefs?

Types of Coral Reefs Most reef scientists generally recognize three MAJOR types of coral reefs: Fringing Reefs, Barrier Reefs, and Atolls. The traditional and most widely recognized basis for differentiating these reef types is large-scale reef morphology; the size and shape of a reef, and its relation to nearby land (if any). read more

The three main types of coral reefs are fringing, barrier, and atoll. Schools of colorful pennantfish, pyramid, and milletseed butterflyfish live on an atoll reef in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. read more

Atolls usually form when islands surrounded by fringing reefs sink into the sea or the sea level rises around them (these islands are often the tops of underwater volcanoes). The fringing reefs continue to grow and eventually form circles with lagoons inside. Watch a great animation clip of how an atoll forms. read more