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5 Incredible Coral Species of the Caribbean

5 Incredible Coral Species of the Caribbean

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on April 14, 2015

The Caribbean Sea is home to the Meso-American reef system which spans 175 miles and lies between Honduras and the Gulf of Mexico — the second largest barrier reef system in the world. Many popular dive sites in the area are located within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park which is home to 26 classes of coral and more than 500 species of fish, some of which are endemic to the park. Rated as one of the top dive destinations in the world, here are just five incredible coral species of the Caribbean you’re likely to see at most dive sites found within.

Pillar Coral

The pillar coral is one of the largest of the coral species of the Caribbean, with colonies that can grow to be four to ten feet tall. It is a stony coral, and is unique among its kind for extending feeding polyps in the day, while most engage in this behavior at night.

Deepwater Sea Fan

The deepwater sea fan is a species of gorgonian and can be found as deep as 1200 feet below the surface, lending to its common name. Typically found on vertical walls, the deepwater sea fan thrives in clear waters with high currents, making the Caribbean an ideal home.

Wire Coral

Wire coral is a species of black coral, so named for its dark skeleton and long, wiry appearance, which can at times be coiled or spiral in shape. Although their polyps are armed with stinging nematocysts to ward away predators, some of the reef’s tiniest species depend on wire coral for habitat.

Rose Lace Coral

The rose lace coral is a small species that is only one to four inches tall. It has delicate-looking branches that are a pale pink, and lives at depths of 15 to 100 feet. The above image is of a related species, the noble coral.

Massive Starlet Coral

The massive starlet coral can be found at depths ranging from 30 to 130 feet, and is named for the incredible size to which it can grow, sometimes up to seven feet across. It is a very slow growing species.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

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