Exploring the Rich Coral Diversity

Corals in Sri Lanka: A Treasure of Marine Biodiversity

Exploring the rich coral diversity in Sri Lanka: A Treasure of Marine Biodiversity

Exploring the rich coral diversity in Sri Lanka: A Treasure of Marine Biodiversity

Marine Biodiversity, Biodiversity,

coral reefs, which support a rich tapestry of marine biodiversity.

The island country of Sri Lanka is surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean which is home to some of the world’s best coral reefs along with a full range of marine biodiversity. The coral reefs present on the southern, eastern and north western coasts are essential to the marine biological resources for the sustainable marine ecosystem and the fisheries, coastal and tourism economies of the region. In the recent years, much stress has been placed on the conservation of the coral reefs due to the fragility of these ecosystems under the invasion of human activities and climate change. Here, we look closely at the corals spotted in Sri Lanka and explain their particular methods and ecological importance.

 

Hard Corals: The Foundation of Sri Lanka’s Coral Reefs Hard corals, or stony corals, are the primary architects of coral reefs. They possess a hard calcium carbonate skeleton, which forms the foundational structure of the reef, creating habitats for countless marine organisms. Among the prominent hard coral species in Sri Lanka are:

Hard Corals: The Foundation of Sri Lanka’s Coral Reefs

  • Acropora (Staghorn and Table Corals):

    Acropora genera of corals are known to form quite complex habitats for a variety of marine species because of their fast growth and distinct branching structures. They are also regarded as fast-growing species that can help in the recovery of the reef’s structure after any disruptions, even though they are sensitive to eco stress.

  • Porites (Massive Corals): These slow-growing, dome-shaped corals are among the most resilient and long-lived reef builders, capable of withstanding changes in temperature and water quality. Porites corals are an integral part of Sri Lanka’s reef systems, forming stable structures that provide shelter for various fish species.
  • Montipora (Encrusting and Plate Corals): Montipora corals exhibit various growth forms, from plating to encrusting structures, adding to the reef’s structural diversity. They thrive in shallow reef zones and support small fish and invertebrate populations.
  • Favia and Favites (Brain Corals): Recognizable by their maze-like appearance, brain corals play an essential role in reef stability and offer habitat to numerous marine organisms. These corals are particularly common in shallow waters around Sri Lanka.
  • Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral): This bushy coral species is known for its compact structure, providing shelter to reef organisms. Pocillopora corals are relatively adaptable and are often some of the first to recover after bleaching events.
Hard Corel

Corals of the World

Read More

Coral Species and Life Cycles of Crabs & Shrimps

Coral Species and Life Cycles of Crabs & Shrimps

Read More

Scroll to Top