Corals of Belize
Corals of Belize Barrier Reef System: Brain, Elkhorn/Stag, Lettuce, Soft & Hard, over 60 types!
The corals of Belize reefs are among the most diverse and beautiful marine habitats in the world. Notably, they include both hard and soft corals, plus countless other marine species. In fact, the Belize Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world — only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef surpasses it.
Moreover, the sub-tropical climate provides ideal conditions for coral formation. Corals thrive here thanks to shallow, clean water, plenty of sunlight, and temperate waters between 62–86°F (16–30°C). Additionally, an abundance of food sources — such as zooplankton and baby shrimp — supports the ecosystem. As a result, many reef-building corals also derive nutrition from zooxanthellae.
Over 60 Types of Corals of Belize
The reefs near Placencia host over 60 different types of corals, both soft and hard. For example, you’ll find lettuce coral, brain coral, elkhorn coral, staghorn coral, star coral, fire coral, mustard hill coral, sea whips, maze coral, and countless more.
Undeniably, Belize’s geography and moderate climate favor some of the most astounding reef systems on earth. These corals took several millennia to form. Happily, you’ll get to enjoy these beautiful and healthy corals while scuba diving and snorkeling with Splash Dive Center’s expert licensed tour guides.
Over thousands of years, calcium carbonate skeletons of tiny coral polyps build up in layers. As each generation of polyps dies, the coral grows slightly larger. Eventually, this process creates clusters of slow-growing hard corals. Soft corals, such as gorgonians, also contain rigid calcium carbonate. However, unlike hard corals, they lack an exoskeleton. As a result, soft corals like sea fans and sea whips sway gently with the waves.
Hard Corals of the Belize Barrier Reef
You’ll see just about every imaginable hard and soft coral while diving or snorkeling around Belize’s atolls and islands. The sheer variety of coral, sponges, and fish makes scuba diving here exciting and enjoyable.
Among the most easily spotted hard corals are brain coral, staghorn coral, elkhorn, rose coral, club finger coral, rough and smooth starlet, and knobby candelabra. The brain coral, though common, creates spectacular formations. In fact, these formations may take several hundred years to form and can grow as tall as six feet.
Interestingly, corals feed at night by extending their tentacles to catch food. During the day, they use those same tentacles for protection. Additionally, hard corals enjoy a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae that live in their skin. The algae use the coral as a safe home. In return, they provide the coral with most of its energy.
