A surprising discovery has captured the attention of the scientific community and the general public: the largest coral in the world .
This giant organism, 33 metres wide and 32 metres long, exceeds the length of the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale. This megacoral, a Pavona clavus, is located in the Solomon Islands, a region known for its exceptional marine biodiversity.
How did they discover the largest coral in the world?
The astonishing structure was discovered by National Geographic ‘s Pristine Seas team during an expedition to the Three Sisters Islands. What looked like a shipwreck from the surface turned out to be a massive coral, visible even from space . Manu San Félix, an underwater filmmaker, was the first to dive in to examine it more closely, confirming its extraordinary size.
This coral, made up of nearly a billion individual polyps , has been growing continuously for over 300 years. Although its primary color is brown, it also exhibits brilliant shades of red, yellow, and blue that add a touch of beauty to the ocean. The megacoral is not only a visual spectacle, but also serves as a refuge and breeding area for various marine species .
Concern about climate change
National Geographic Explorer Enric Sala highlighted the importance of this discovery, saying that it is a relevant scientific find, similar to the tallest tree in the world. However, he warned that this coral is not immune to global threats, such as global warming and human activity. Even in such remote areas, marine ecosystems are at risk.
For his part, Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, stressed the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.
Our economy and survival depend on the health of coral reefs. This discovery reinforces the need for conservation for future generations.
noted.
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Source: Popular Science
Photo: shutterstock
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