Scleractinia (stony corals)

Scleractinia, commonly called stony corals, are marine animals that build calcium carbonate skeletons, forming the foundation of coral reefs. Each coral is made up of many tiny, soft-bodied polyps with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. These polyps extract calcium and carbonate ions from seawater to create their hard skeletons, providing structure and protection. Over time, these skeletons accumulate and cement together, creating diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life. Stony corals are crucial for ocean biodiversity, shoreline protection, and carbon cycling.