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These 15 Photos Showcase the Intensely Brilliant Colors of Coral Reefs and the Creatures That Live Among Them

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest highlight the importance of the marine ecosystems and the many species they help sustain

Colorful coral flourish
Colorful coral flourish
Colorful coral flourish in New Caledonia, a French territory off the east coast of Australia, near a cliff overlooking beautiful, clear waters.
  Laura Jourdan, France, 2019

These 15 Photos Showcase the Intensely Brilliant Colors of Coral Reefs and the Creatures That Live Among Them

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest highlight the importance of the marine ecosystems and the many species they help sustain

Photographs selected by Allison Scates

Colorful coral flourish
Colorful coral flourish in New Caledonia, a French territory off the east coast of Australia, near a cliff overlooking beautiful, clear waters.
  Laura Jourdan, France, 2019
We refer to them as coral reefs, but “bouquets” is a word that comes to mind when observing these often colorful and vibrant marine animals. Although they resemble moss or succulents to some, coral are not underwater plants. They’re living creatures that are part of vital ocean ecosystems, sustaining life for fish, crustaceans and other sea dwellers. Unfortunately, coral are sensitive to temperature and, as a result, have been affected by the warming climate. According to some estimates, 90 percent of all coral reefs could disappear by 2050. Conservationists are working to save them, and photographers, including Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest entrants, are helping remind us how vivid and vital they are. Take a look.
marine animals
Coral are marine animals in the same classification as jellyfish and sea anemones. This one was found on the Great Barrier Reef. Lawrence Levy, Australia, 2010
soft coral
Spectacular sponge and soft coral gardens hosting communities of fish life await divers who visit Atlantic Ocean reefs, like this one off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida. Tom Shlesinger, Florida, 2020
A reef shark swims
A reef shark swims above a coral head off the coast of Roatán. Tracy Kerestesh, Honduras, 2020
The Coral Triangle
The Coral Triangle, a marine region spanning six countries in the Western Pacific, hosts more than 75 percent of all known coral species. Within the region is Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia,  Romina Bayer, Indonesia, 2019
A fish swims above
A fish swims above a pristine coral reef off Raja Ampat in Indonesia. Mok Wai Hoe, Indonesia, 2020
A branching Acropora coral
A branching Acropora coral spawns pinkish bundles of eggs and sperm. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2017
growing samples
Some conservationists have launched programs to protect reefs and save coral species, growing samples taken from healthy specimens in monitored environments. Gilles Auroux, Fiji, 2022
Locals remove debris
Shallow waters are home to an array of coral in Palawan, an island in the Phillippines. Locals remove debris littering the animals’ habitat. Ramon I. Castillo, Philippines, 2019
thriving coral reefs
The thriving coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat, also known as the Gulf of Aqaba, in the Red Sea host a remarkable diversity of marine life. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2018
A setting sun creates a purple-hued sky
A setting sun creates a purple-hued sky as neutral-toned fish and coral contrast the colors above. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2018
Ambitle Island
In the coral reefs near Ambitle Island in the Pacific Ocean, soft coral forms what looks like underwater mushroom hills. Tom Shlesinger, Papua New Guinea, 2018
An underwater observatory
An underwater observatory built near Eilat, Israel, more than 40 years ago to allow visitors an up-close look has become part of the seascape itself. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2023
A school of damselfish
A school of damselfish swim above the coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Kat Zhou, Indonesia, 2025
lionfish
A striking lionfish trolls along a coral colony. Caitlin Winskill, Australia, 2025

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