If fish could build colourful cities, what do you think they would look like?
Long ago, according to an old ocean tale, tiny sea fairies sprinkled rainbow dust across the ocean floor. Wherever the sparkling dust landed, beautiful coral cities began to grow. Fish, turtles, crabs and hundreds of other sea creatures moved in and made them their homes.
Now for the real story...
Coral reefs are built by tiny animals called coral polyps. Together, millions of them create huge underwater reefs that become homes for thousands of different species.
Even though coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support about 25% of all marine life.
Sadly, coral reefs are threatened by pollution, warming oceans and climate change. By protecting our oceans, we also protect these amazing underwater cities.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Some coral reefs are thousands of years old!