Coral animals, also known as coral polyps, are tiny, marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Cnidaria.

They are the primary builders of coral reefs, which are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Coral polyps have a cylindrical body with tentacles surrounding a central mouth. They secrete calcium carbonate to create protective skeletons, which accumulate over time, forming the structures we recognise as coral reefs.

In the Arabian Gulf, coral reefs are mainly located in the shallow, warm waters along the coastlines of countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

There are over 800 known species of coral worldwide. In the Arabian Gulf, the number of coral species is estimated to be around 140.

Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems, not only due to the various coral species but also because they host a wide range of organisms.

These communities are interconnected through complex food chains.

Corals in the Arabian Gulf have adapted to extreme conditions with the help of symbiotic microbes.
These microbes assist in nutrient cycling and provide resilience to temperature and salinity extremes.

Coral reefs are facing many threats.

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to coral reefs worldwide, but there are other threats...

When coral reefs lose their colour and turn white because of changes in water temperature or pollution, which can make them sick or die.

When the ocean becomes more acidic because it absorbs too much carbon dioxide from the air, which can harm sea creatures like shells and coral.

When the homes of animals and plants in the ocean, like coral reefs, are damaged or destroyed by things like pollution, overfishing, or construction.