Coral Reef Biome – Dylan Bruce, Period 3
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The coral reefs of the world are generally found in, but are not exclusive to, the area between
the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Salinity – The average salinity levels of coral reefs are between 30 and 40 parts per million.
Temperature – Coral reefs can survive from 19-32 degrees Celsius, with optimum growth
between 23-25 degrees Celsius.
Depth – Coral reefs can survive to as deep as 48 meters, as long as the waters are clear.
Water flow – Water flow to coral reefs are caused from both ocean currents and rising and
lowering of tides.
Base of food chain – Algae, phytoplankton, seaweed
Animals found – Sponges, zooplankton, varied fish
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The fore reef contains has the highest biodiversity of all of the zones, due to the variance in
depth.
 The reef crest protects the reef flat from the powerful waves.
 The reef flat contains the shallow water habitats.
 Interesting info – Although the total coral reef sizes total to less than 0.1% of the size of the
ocean, they support over 25% of all marine species.
http://www.coralreefinfo.com/images/coralreef_map_large.jpg
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/southflorida/coral/habitat.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5522719_food-coral-reef.html
http://www.coral-reef-info.com/back-reef.html