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Zooxanthellae colors

Coral comparisons — Zooxanthellae cells provide corals with their color. On the left is a healthy stony coral. On the right is a stony coral that has lost its zooxanthellae cells and has taken on a bleached appearance. If a coral polyp is without zooxanthellae cells for a long period of time, it will most likely die. Photo credit: NOAA

Corals Topics

Welcome What are corals? What is Zooxanthellae? How do corals grow? How do coral reefs form? Where are corals found? How do corals reproduce? Why are coral reefs important? What are the major threats to corals? - Climate change - Pollution - Diseases - Fishing impacts What are the other threats to corals? Protecting corals - Laws and partnerships Protecting corals - Protected places Restoring corals

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Last updated:

08/12/24

Author: NOAA

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