Skip to main content

Coral bleaching: what it is and why it matters

 Coral bleaching: what it is and why it matters

Coral bleaching is the alarming whitening of reefs caused by corals expelling the algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues. Those algae provide much of the coral’s color and a large share of its energy through photosynthesis. When the relationship breaks down, corals can starve, become more vulnerable to disease, and struggle to recover.

While bleaching can occur naturally after short-term environmental changes, recent decades have seen more frequent and widespread event ... Read more

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Venomous Reef Inhabitants: How to Stay Safe While Diving

Venomous Reef Inhabitants: How to Stay Safe While Diving Reefs are home to colorful wildlife, but a number of species can injure people with venomous stings or toxins. Most incidents happen when animals are stepped on, touched, or handled—often in shallow reef areas where visitors are most likely to wade, swim, or snorkel. Understanding which reef inhabitants are dangerous, and how envenomation typically occurs, can make a major difference—especially in regions where medical help may be hours away. Stonefish and lionfis ... Read more »  
Post a Comment
Read more

A great gift idea from the world of aquariums

  A great gift idea from the world of aquariums Choosing a gift from the world of aquariums is not just about the recipient’s taste; it’s about enhancing a tiny, living world that rewards careful care and curiosity. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner starting a small freshwater setup or a veteran looking to upgrade a display, there are thoughtful options that blend practicality with visual appeal. One strong option is a beginner-friendly starter kit that includes a compact filter, a programmable LED light, and  ...  Read more »
Post a Comment
Read more

Soft Coral Movement You Can’t Beat: A Closer Look at Reef Dynamics

  Soft Coral Movement You Can’t Beat: A Closer Look at Reef Dynamics In coral reefs around the world, soft corals captivate divers and aquarium enthusiasts with a slow, almost dancing motion as their polyp branches unfurl and retract in response to the surrounding water flow. The movement isn’t just aesthetics; it reflects a dynamic exchange between current, light, and the coral’s own feeding strategy. Scientists describe it as a coordinated response that helps soft corals capture plankton and detritus suspended in the water column. What ma  ...  Read more »
Post a Comment
Read more