Coral Reef at Maldives

The Maldives consists entirely of coral reefs the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are known to host many levels of biodiversity ranging from planktonic organisms to sharks. The dominant species on reefs are corals and fishes. Both these account for a large share of the diversity of coral reefs.

Although the corals are the major organisms that form the basic reef structure, there is bewildering array of other organisms associated with reefs, such that these areas are perhaps the most diverse and species rich areas that exist in the marine environment today. Members of practically all phyla and classes may be found on coral reefs.
Exotic and breathtaking, Maldives, is a part of a massive underwater mountain range with stunning coral reefs on its edge. The fascinating coral reefs that border the pure white sands of lovely Maldives ensconce within their folds some of the most beautiful and peaceful lagoons in the world.

There have been several theories that have tried to explain the origin of these coral reefs. Scientists believe that the coral reefs in Maldives were formed after an underwater volcanic eruption of massive proportions.

With around 2000 coral reefs, sandbars and coral outcrops, Maldives coral islands are a delight for scuba divers, snorkeling enthusiasts and people who love marine life. The coral reefs and atolls provide shelter for many species of fish, and other marine creatures. You can see numerous colorful fish swimming round the coral reefs in Maldives, while swimming or snorkeling in the clear blue water of the Indian Ocean around Maldives coral islands.

With 26 natural atolls or groups of coral islands, the Maldives, is a part of an underwater mountain range that includes the Lakshadweep Islands and the Chagos Islands. The coral reefs and atolls that make up these islands, have grown on and around the peaks of this underwater mountain range.

Coral is a marine polyp that lives in large colonies. Its hard outer shell, forms the structure of the coral reef. The live polyp within keeps adding to the reef as it keeps building its shell. Thus coral reefs are living structures that can be damaged by pollution, oil spills and adverse weather conditions. The beautiful coral reefs in Maldives, are definitely worth seeing, for their delicate beauty and infinite variety of marine life.

A total of over 1000 species of fish have so far been catalogued from the Maldives. Over 300 of these were recorded from the Maldives for the first time. Seven species have been described as new to science, several more await description. Over 400 have been identified and catalogued and many are now held in the reference collection.

Scleratinian corals of the Maldives have been relatively well studied. Descriptions of 147 species, and literature records of a further 94 species, making a total of 241 species have been recorded. The total number of coral species recorded from the Maldives to date is about 200, representing over 60 genera.

5 species of turtles have been recorded for the Maldives of which only Chelonia mydas and Eretolochelys imricata are the most common two species that breed in the Maldives.

51 species of echinoderms, 5 species of sea grasses and 285 species of alga have also been identified. Studies on crustaceans, sponges, tunicates as well as deep sea fishes are being carried out at present. Sponges have gained a special interest as five species have already being identified as having anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.

A reference collection of all marine species collected so far is kept at the Marine Research Section of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. There are also a number of specimens that have not been identified.