Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, can take many forms: large reef building colonies, graceful flowing fans, and even small, solitary organisms. Occupying less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine life. That’s is a reason why coral reefs are often called the ‘tropical rainforests of the sea’ for their astounding richness of life. Due to their structural complexity, corals are one of the most productive ecosystems on the earth, providing important services to mankind including fisheries, coastal protection, medicines, recreation, and tourism.

Here are impressive photos highlighting the beauty of coral reefs at Hon Sup to the south of the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang and Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island) off Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province trough the camera angle of Dao Dang Cong Trung from Da Nang.

Blue starfish and seaweed

Rich ecosystem on coral reefs

Soft coral mats blooming in eye-catching colours

Coral fans that are non-solid blocks that come in 5 variants: tube, brain, bubble, fire, and horn.

Sea anemones are related to corals, jellyfish, tube-dwelling anemones, and Hydra. Unlike jellyfish, sea anemones do not have a medusa stage in their life cycle.

Reporting by DA NANG Newspaper - Reporting by A.THU