Home » Home & Garden » Home Decor

Coral Reef Pictures

Ranked #636 in Home & Garden, #8,884 overall

Coral Reef Pictures

A coral reef harbors an abundance of life, some of it endangered. There are many colors, patterns, and textures to be explored here. We have a variety of coral reef pictures here that capture just some of this diversity.

On this page you will see not only pictures of coral reefs but also some facts and additional reading on the topic. If you see an image you like, you can even purchase it by clicking on the image. Many of these photos are available in a variety of sizes.

Photo by MattK1979.

Coral Reef Pictures

Schooling Lyretail Anthias and Near a Coral Reef. (Pseudanthias Squamipinnis) Red Sea


This coral reef photo puts the viewer under the water looking up toward the surface. A school of Lyretail Anthias swims nearby amongst the various corals. This image was captured by photographer Reinhard Dirscherl in the Red Sea.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Lyretail Anthias are small fish, generally obtaining a size of no more than 5 inches. They all begin life as females, but the most dominant of them may change sex. Males keep harems of females. The sex change results in a change in color as well.
Reef with Crinoids, Komodo, Indonesia


This is another underwater coral reef picture that shows some of the colorful marine life that exists. This one has Crinoids as a centerpiece. Photographer Mark Webster shot this off of Komodo, Indonesia.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Crinoids are acutally marine animals. Although some will attach to coral, they are free swimming. They gather food by using their arms to filter it from the surrounding waters. They are also known as Sea Lillies.
Anthias School on a Coral Reef, Red Sea, Egypt


Another school of Anthias swim around the viewer in this image. This fish, found mostly in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region, are common. Photographer Jeff Rotman shot this picture.
Reef Scene with Alconarian Coral and Schooling Yellow Sweepers, Indonesia


Another common coral reef fish are Yellow Sweepers. A school of them is shown here near the edge of the reef. Alconarian Coral. This image was captured by photographer David B Fleetham near Indonesia.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: The Yellow Sweeper fish are one of many types of Sweepers. These small fish tend to live in shallow waters near coral reefs. They use the shelter of the reef for protection and then feed at night on plankton.
Western Clown Anemonefish Swim Among the Tentacles of a Magnificent Sea Anemone





This is a photo of a Western Clown Fish swimming around the tentacles of a Sea Anemone. This shot was taken by photographer Wolcott Henry.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Clown fish have a symbiotic relationship with sea anemone. The fish potentially consume algae and dangerous marine life that threaten the anemone while the Clown Fish gains protection from predators by the poisonous anemone tentacles from which it is immune.
Spotted Seahorse Dark and Light Colour Phases, on Coral Reef, from Indo-Pacific


This photo shows two spotted seashorses; one dark and one light. Photographer Jane Butron captured the photo in the Indo Pacific region.
Giant Frogfishes on a Coral Reef (Antennarius Commersonii), Pacific Ocean, Panglao Island


Two giant frog fish are shown in this coral reef picture. These fish, nearly always found in shallow temperate or warm waters, were found in the Pacific Ocean near Panglao Island. Reinhard Dirscherl is the photographer.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: There are a variety of frog fish species. They vary in size from a mere 2 inches to up to nearly 16 inches and they have a variety of colors as well. These predators camouflage themselves using their color and the flaps and bumps on their bodies. They can even use their fins to ambulate across coral or the sea bed.
Hard Coral Reef with Schooling Fish, Maldives, Indian Ocean, Meemu Atoll


Near Meemu Atoll, in the island country of Maldives in the Indian Ocean, photographer Reinhard Dirscherl captured this image of hard coral.
Red Starfish and Coral Reef, Asteroidea, Mexico, Sea of Cortez, Baja California, La Paz


Another coral reef picture by photographer Reinhard Dirscherl, this one shows a red starfish amongst the coral. Red starfish are one of many types of starfish in the class Asteroidea. This image was taken In the Sea of Cortez near Baja California,La Paz.
Hard Coral Reef with Coral Fishes (Pseudanthias and Chromis), Maldives, Indian Ocean, Meemu Atoll


Beside the hard coral reef in the shallow waters off of Meemu Atoll, Maldive in the Indian Ocean, viewers can see both the clouds in the sky above the waters and the Pseudanthias and Chromis coral fishes swimming about. Reinhard Dirscherl is again the photographer.
Sea Fan on a Coral Reef (Subergorgia), Maldives, Indian Ocean, Meemu Atoll


Another common coral reef life form is shown here. A Sea Fan is the subject here. The photographer is once again Reinhard Dirscherl.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Sea Fans are actually colonies of tiny polyps, invertebrate marine animals, that form the soft coral that you see.
Lionfishes or Turkeyfishes Near a Coral Reef (Pterois Volitans), Indian Ocean


Two Lionfish are the subject of this photograph by Reinhard Dirscherl. The shot was taken somewhere in the Indian Ocean.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Lionfish are sometimes referred to as Turkeyfish or Zebrafish as well. Their scientific name is Pterois Volitans. They have venomous spines that help them capture prey and ward off predators.
Corals Reef in a Bikini Atoll Lagoon, Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean


Another of photographer Reinhard Dirscherl's pictures of coral reefs, this one was shot in Bikini Atoll Lagoon, in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Green Sea Turtles Swimming over a Coral Reef (Chelonia Mydas), an Endangered Species, Hawaii, USA


Swimming around a coral reef, these Sea Turtles were photographed near Hawaii, USA. David Fleetham is the photographer.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Sea turtles are endangered. They can swim as fast as 15 miles per hour and have been known to travel several thousand miles. You can learn more about them here.
Alconarian and Gorgonian Coral with Schooling Anthias Dominate This Fijian Reef Scene


Another of photographer David Fleetham's pictures of coral reefs, this one shows alconarian and gorgonian coral with a school of Anthias swimming nearby. He captured this image at a reef just off of the Fiji shore.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Gorgonian corals are the same colonies described above, known also as a sea fan.
Alconarian and Gorgonian Corals with Schooling Anthias Dominate This Fiji Reef Scene


Here is another view of both Gorgonian and Alconarian corals provided by David Fleetham. These soft, colorful corals are found primarily in temperate waters.

Interesting Coral Reef Facts: Most coral reefs are found in shallow, warm waters. They are said to be home to nearly 25% of all marine life. The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, Australia. You can learn much more about how these reefs are formed, how they reproduce, and their threats in this Wikipedia article.
Alconarian Coral and Schooling Anthias Dominate This Fijian Reef Scene


Yet another colorful view of Alconarian coral in the waters just off of Fiji provided by David Fleetham.
Cuttlefish (Sepia) Swimming over a Coral Reef, Dinah's Beach, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea


Photographer Richard Hermann provides this coral reef picture. It showcases a Cuttlefish hovering over the reef in the waters at Dinah's Beach in Milne Bay, Papua, New Guinea.

Interesting Coral Reef Facts: Cuttlefish aren't really fish, they are actually molluscs, and are related to the squid and octopus. You can learn more about them in this article.
Crown of Thorns Starfish Eats Coral on a Healthy Reef, Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia


Viewers experience a rainbow of colors in this photograph. Photographer Murray Louise captures a Crown of Thorns Starfish feeding on the coral in the waters off of the Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia.
Reef Scene with Fish and Coral, Red Sea, Egypt, North Africa, Africa


Another of the coral reef pictures provided by photographer Murray Louise is taken in the Red Sea, just out from Egypt, North Africa.

Interesting Coral Reef Facts: The Crown of Thorns Starfish highlighted in the photograph above feeds on corals. The spiny protrusions you see are venomous. It is one of the largest starfishes in the world. You can learn much more about this creature by reading this article.
Reef Scene with Anthias Fish and Coral, Red Sea, Egypt, North Africa, Africa


Also photographed by Murray Louise, this is another view of a coral reef in the Red Sea.
Gray Reef Shark and Diver Swimming over Coral Reef


Here viewers see a Gray Reef Shark swimming above the coral reef, with a diver shadowing him. Brian Skerry is the photographer.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Gray Reef Sharks are common around coral reefs. They can pose a threat to humans when feeding. They average nearly 5 feet in length. You can learn more about these marine animals here.
Coral Carpets a Shallow Seafloor on Kingman Reef


This is another of photographer Brian J. Skerry's pictures of coral reefs. This one is of Kingman Reef, located between the Hawaiian Islands and American Samoa in the North Pacific Ocean.
Blue Angelfish Swimming in the Coral Reef Off of Key Largo


Photographer Mike Thiess captured this image of a blue angelfish swimming around a coral reef off of the coast of Key Largo, Florida, USA. This is a marine variety of angel fish and they tend to be found in shallow waters, particularly in coral reefs.
Endangerd Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia Mydas, Swimming in a Coral Reef


An endangered Green Sea Turtle (also known as Chelonia Mydas) is seen here above a coral reef. George Grall is the photographer.
Underwater View of a Coral Reef in Belize


This image presents a rainbow of colors; bright blue sky, aquamarine waters, and purple and gold corals. Neither the photographer nor the location are identified.
Stonefish on Jackson Reef in Red Sea, Tiran Island, Egypt


This photograph captures a sea anemone, clown fish, and a stone fish showing just some of the diversity of life found on a coral reef. This image was taken on Jackson Reef in the Red Sea, off of Tiran Island, Egypt.

Mark Webster was the photographer.

Interesting Coral Reef Facts: Stonefish have venomous spines along their back. It can be fatal to be punctured by these spines. You can learn more about stonefish on this page.
Pillar Coral, Puerto Rico


Here viewers get a close-up look at some Pillar Coral. This photograph was taken by Timothy O'Keefe off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Pillar coral is a hard coral that can grow as high as 8 to 10 feet.
A Group of Soft Coral


This image provides a close up of a soft coral. It appear to be fluorescent as some corals do in certain lighting conditions. Wolcott Henry was the photographer.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: It is theorized that fluorescence allows coral to protect itself from too much UV light. You can learn more about this on this page.
A Close View of a Soft Coral


Here veiwers see another vibrant, branching soft coral. This photograph was also captured by Wolcott Henry.
Polyps Cover a Coral


This image provided by photographer Mick Caloyianis, shows a close-up of polyps covering coral.
A Close View of Anchor Coral


This is another of photographer Wolcott Henry's many coral reef pictures. It shows Anchor Coral up close. Anchor coral is also known as Hammer Coral.
A School of Striped Grunt Hover Over a Coral Reef


This picture showcases a school of Striped Grunts swimming over a coral reef. Neither the precise location nor the photographer are identified.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Blue Striped Grunts are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from South Carolina, USA to Brazil, South America. These fish grow as long as 12 to 14 inches.
A Close View of Tubeworms with Their Food-Filtering Tentacles Waving


Photographer Raul Touzon captured this close-up image of Tubeworms with their tentacles waving. Their tentacles are used for filtering food from the water.
Damselfish and Other Reef Dwellers Swim Among Hard Corals


No collection of coral reef pictures would be complete without some photos of Damselfish. This image shows some Damselfish swimming around hard corals. Neither the exact location nor the photographer are identified.

Most Damselfish average only 2 to 3" in length although some larger ones have been found. They are related to Clown fish.
A Moray Eel Pokes its Head out from the Coral Reefs in the Red Sea


A Moray Eel is peeking out from the coral of a reef in the Red Sea in this photograph. Moray Eels are generally not venomous but can bite when confronted, causing severe pain and injury.
Coral Reef Scene off the Coast of Grand Turk Island

Here is another of a coral reef photographed by Wolcott Henry. This one showcases a variety of types and shapes of corals. The location where this image was captured is off of the coast of Grand Turk Island.
An Orange-Fin Anemonefish Nestled in the Tentacles of a Sea Anemone

Photographer Tim Laman captured this image of Orange Fin Anemone fish hiding amongst the tentacles of a Sea Anomone on a coral reef. The location of this shot is not identified.

Interesting Coral Reef Fact: Pink Anemone fish grow to about 3-4 inches long. They live amongst the poisonous tentacles of the anemone in family groups.
Coral Reef with Hard Corals, Maldives, Indian Ocean, Felidu Atoll


Another coral reef picture from Reinhard Dirscherl, this image shows hard corals at Felidue Atoll, off of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Caribbean reef sharks swimming in the waters off the Bahama Islands

Photographer Brian J. Skerry captured this image of a couple of Caribbean Reef Sharks swimming above. This photograph was taken off of the Bahama Islands.

A Look Around the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Dreaming
by Sharkdentist | video info

11 ratings | 6,570 views
curated content from YouTube

Learn More About Coral Reefs

Loading
Loading

Coral Reefs in the News

Edison High dominates in spring football jamboree
In a three-team spring jamboree at Southridge, Edison dominated, winning its halves of play against Coral Gables 21-7 and Coral Reef 21-8. Franklin Labady headlined Edison's offensive efforts, running for 238 yards and three touchdownswhile throwing ...
NGO launches Sabah branch to conserve reefs
KOTA KINABALU: Reef Check Malaysia, a Kuala Lumpur-based non-profit organization, has launched a branch in Sabah to better enhance the health status of coral reefs here. Programme manager Nattelee Lim, 26, said the Sabah branch was set up in April this ...
Marine reserves can help restock fish stocks on nearby reefs
The groundbreaking study was carried out in the Keppel Island group on Australia's Great Barrier Reef by researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (CoECRS), in conjunction with other leading research institutions, ...
Study finds pollution plus sedimentation equals rapid coral death
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show that preventing sediments contaminated with pollutants such as phosphorous and nitrogen from entering coral reef areas is essential for reef health.
Powered by Google

More Coral Reef Pictures From Flickr

Surgeon Fish by ccharmon
keys_021 by alans1948
keys_023 by alans1948
keys_022 by alans1948
keys_025 by alans1948
keys_024 by alans1948
Looking back the reef from the edge, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Shallow reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Young diver, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Ocean blue, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Beautiful scene with Sohal Surgeonfish, Acanthurus sohal, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reef flats reflected 2, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Coral Reef by ccharmon
Shallow reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Shallow corals, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
IP and TP parrot fish over shallow reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Shallow scene, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Top of the reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Fire coral, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reflected in blue, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reef flats, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
IMG_0559.resized, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Sohal Surgeonfish, Acanthurus sohal, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reef flats, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Shallow reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reef crest, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Corals and blue, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Top of the reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Top of the reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reflected in blue, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Water over reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Fire coral on slope, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Front of the reef reflected, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
'Brain' coral, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Reef flats reflected, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
Front of the reef, Red Sea, Egypt #SCUBA, #pictures, #photography by Derek Keats
automatically generated by Flickr

Let Us Know You Stopped By!

  • travelbroad Apr 24, 2012 @ 5:21 am | delete
    Beautiful photos! Going to go jump in the ocean now...:)
  • ForestBear Nov 22, 2011 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    Beautiful pictures, your lens just brought some colour to a rainy day. Wonderful lens, thank you for sharing
  • LinkCollection Sep 11, 2011 @ 1:43 am | delete
    congrats, great pictures, i would like to have some of them, to hang them around my room when i feel sick, and tire...they will get me out of the bed with much energy and send me to beach hahaha
  • TenerifeLowcostholidays Jun 23, 2011 @ 9:08 am | delete
    Oh my goodness these beautiful images have just brightened up my afternoon!!
  • david Apr 2, 2011 @ 4:46 pm | delete
    great pics
  • fanfreluche Mar 12, 2011 @ 7:53 am | delete
    So beautiful and colorful!
  • theraggededge Feb 4, 2011 @ 9:22 am | delete
    Terrific and well presented. Blessed :-)
  • kiwisoutback Oct 8, 2010 @ 12:46 pm | delete
    Wow, amazing pictures, well done! Reminds me of the old fish tank I used to have, except a million times more impressive.
  • awelldressedbullet Sep 18, 2010 @ 9:46 am | delete
    Can I say, WOW! An amazing lens, the facts were so interesting, and the pictures were gorgeous, what a great lesson, thank you! So much great information and pictures, but thought the Clown Fish in the Sea Anemone was soo cool. - Kathy
  • Vacation-In-My-Head Sep 8, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
    Absolutely beautiful, I could sit and look at these pictures all day!
  • poutine May 29, 2010 @ 3:48 pm | delete
    I enjoyed very much looking at all those marvelous pictures.
  • JaguarJulie May 28, 2010 @ 7:51 am | delete
    Well, I feel like I have been deep sea swimming without needing any oxygen tank ... what a cornucopia of beautiful pictures ... right up my hubby's alley.
  • TheWhistler Apr 5, 2010 @ 9:17 am | delete
    A wonderful world we know little about. I hear that there is an Oil Spill close to the Great Barrier Reef, on of the worlds great works of nature. Just what we need. Thanks for the lens.
  • BevsPaper Apr 5, 2010 @ 6:55 am | delete
    What a wonderful display of coral reef pictures! I really liked the picture of the Tubeworms and the one with the Sea Horse.
  • Irenemaria Apr 5, 2010 @ 3:02 am | delete
    Amazing beauty and awsome colours
Show All

by

mulberry

A coral reef is teaming with life and full of color and intricate patterns. On this page you will find coral reef pictures and interesting facts about... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags