
Photo credit: nationalgeographic.org
Scientists have discovered the largest coral ever recorded, and it’s in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
The mega coral measures 111 feet by 105 feet, and 18 feet high! It’s a collection of coral polyps, which are tiny individual creatures, that have slowly grown together as a colony. The coral has grown undisturbed for a long time—scientists say it could be more than 300 years old!
It was found in the Solomon Islands by some members of the National Geographic Pristine Seas team working aboard a research vessel. This coral is a species called Pavona clavus, and it provides a home for marine wildlife such as crabs and fish. According to National Geographic, the newly discovered coral is three times larger than the previous record-holder, and it is even visible from space!
The newly discovered coral is different than a reef, like the Great Barrier Reef. A reef is a network of many coral colonies, such as the newly discovered mega coral.
“Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas. “This is a SIGNIFICANT scientific discovery, like finding the world’s tallest tree. But there is cause for alarm. Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats.”
Corals and reefs are facing unprecedented threats from climate change. A 2024 report found that 44 percent of corals living in warm waters are threatened with extinction. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef had a severe bleaching event in 2024 after experiencing its worst summer on record with soaring record temperatures. Scientists say the newly discovered coral was found in deeper waters than some coral reefs, which might help explain why it’s been better protected than those in shallower water that is more easily impacted by higher temperatures.
MEGA CORAL FACTS
• Height of coral: 18 feet
• Estimated age: 300 years
• Location: Solomon Islands