How do coral reefs support marine life?

Coral reefs play a crucial role in supporting marine life by providing habitat, food, and shelter for a vast diversity of ocean species. Often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs create complex three-dimensional structures that offer hiding places and breeding grounds for many fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms. This structural complexity helps sustain high biodiversity, making reefs one of the most productive and biologically rich ecosystems on Earth. In addition to habitat provision, coral reefs support marine food webs by hosting algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These algae perform photosynthesis, producing nutrients that feed the corals and, indirectly, the broader reef community. Reefs also contribute to nutrient cycling and help maintain water quality by filtering and trapping sediments. Moreover, many commercially important fish species depend on coral reefs during critical stages of their life cycles, such as spawning and juvenile development. Thus, coral reefs are essential not only for marine biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide who rely on fishing and tourism linked to healthy reef ecosystems.