The Caribbean Sea is home to the Meso-American reef system, which spans 175 miles. It lies between Honduras and the Gulf of Mexico, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. Many popular dive sites in the area are located within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, home to 26 classes of coral and more than 500 species of fish, some of which are endemic to the park. Rated as one of the top dive destinations in the world, here are just five incredible coral species of the Caribbean you’re likely to see at most dive sites found within.
Pillar Coral
The pillar coral is one of the largest coral species of the Caribbean, with colonies that can grow to be four to ten feet tall. It is a stony coral unique for extending polyp feeding during the day, while most engage in this behavior at night.
Deepwater Sea Fan
The deepwater sea fan is a gorgonian species found as deep as 1200 feet below the surface, lending to its common name. Typically found on vertical walls, the deepwater sea fan thrives in clear waters with high currents, making the Caribbean an ideal home.
Wire Coral
Wire coral is a species of black coral, so named for its dark skeleton and long, wiry appearance, which can sometimes be coiled or spiral in shape. Although their polyps are armed with stinging nematocysts to remove predators, some of the reef’s tiniest species depend on wire coral for habitat.
Rose Lace Coral
Rose lace coral is a small species that is only one to four inches tall. It has delicate-looking pale pink branches and lives at depths of 15 to 100 feet. The above image is of a related species, the noble coral.
Massive Starlet Coral
The massive starlet coral can be found at depths ranging from 30 to 130 feet and is named for the incredible size to which it can grow, sometimes up to seven feet across. It is a very slow-growing species.
