Corals are animals.
Many familiar corals are colonies of tiny animals called polyps. The skeletons built by hard corals help form the foundation of reefs.
Ocean science · NOAA
Ocean life · Look closerA world in
A world in
constant motion.
Some of the most interesting things in the ocean reveal themselves when you slow down.
Life, not just sceneryEvery habitat
Every habitat
holds a story.
Look beyond the big moment.
The fish moving through open water. Marine growth on a submerged surface. The roots at the edge of the bay. Each image invites a different way of looking at the ocean.
Follow the small details and discover how much can fit into a single frame.
See the photo collection
A different perspectiveThe sea is bigger
The sea is bigger
than the frame.
Look up, look around, and let your guide introduce you to the dive. No two days on the water are quite the same.
Explore with RarumOcean notesA little understanding
A little understanding
changes the view.
The roots matter.
Mangrove roots provide food and shelter for fish and other organisms. Mangrove forests also help stabilize coastlines.
Coastal habitats · NOAAObserve with care.
Keep the encounter about observation. Follow the dive team’s briefing, leave marine life undisturbed, and ask questions about what you see.
Discover our approach