What ocean basin has the most corals?
The Pacific Ocean has the most coral species.
Generally, there are about twice as many coral species in Pacific Ocean reefs as in Atlantic Ocean reefs.
Reef-building corals are restricted in their geographic distribution by factors such as the temperature and the salinity (salt content) of the water. The water must also be clear to permit high light penetration.
Because of these environmental restrictions, reefs generally are confined to tropical and semitropical waters. The diversity of reef corals (the number of species), decreases in higher latitudes up to about 30° north and south, beyond which reef corals are usually not found.
Generally, there are about twice as many coral species in Pacific Ocean reefs as in Atlantic Ocean reefs.