The Reef Institute

This week, we’re taking a closer look at elkhorn coral! 🪸

Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is a species that can be found on shallow reefs throughout Florida and the Caribbean. Its name comes from its large, flattened branches, which can look like elk antlers.

That distinctive shape is part of what makes this species so important. As it grows, elkhorn coral creates complex 3D habitat that provides shelter for fish, crabs, and many other reef organisms. Because it thrives in shallow, high-energy reef environments, its branching structure also contributes to the reef framework that helps buffer wave energy and support coastal protection.

This reef builder is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is one of the coral species we care for in our living coral biobank. Seeing elkhorn coral up close is a reminder that reefs are not flat or simple ecosystems. Their structure matters, and species like elkhorn play a vital role in creating the habitat that supports so much life, both underwater and along our shores.

A closer look at great star coral, Montastraea cavernosa. 🪸

This species is a beautiful example of how coral anatomy works up close. Like other stony corals, great star coral is made up of many individual animals called polyps.

Each polyp has a mouth surrounded by tentacles that allow the coral to interact with its environment in many ways, ranging from defense and competition to catching tiny drifting food from the water. Together, those polyps build the larger coral colony. From a distance, coral can look like rock or even a plant, but up close, you can see the living structure that makes each colony so complex.

Follow along to see more of the amazing corals we work to conserve! Together we save the ocean!

Not all corals are built the same. 🪸

On Florida’s Coral Reef, stony corals grow in many different forms, from rounded colonies to branching, boulder-like, and ridged structures. Together, these shapes help create the physical complexity that makes a reef more than just a flat surface.

That complexity matters. Different coral species and their unique growth forms can provide shelter, feeding areas, and habitat for fish, invertebrates, and other reef life. A reef with a diversity of coral species can support a wider range of life and ecological functions.

These photos were captured by our Director of Science Communications, Caleb Fix, while diving in Palm Beach County with . At The Reef Institute, coral diversity is important to how we understand, protect, and share the story of our local reef ecosystem.

We’re hiring two full-time Education Coordinator positions at The Reef Institute!

Stewardship & Community Learning is the more classroom-heavy role, focused on school partnerships, coral science enrichment, student stewardship, interns, and volunteer support.

Knowledge Building & Decision Making is the more program and community-focused role, supporting camps, Mobile Coral 101, after-school programs, events, and public education.

Both positions are based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

To apply or learn more, email your resume, short cover letter, and one recommendation to Candace Delmore at [email protected].

For your cover letter, please respond to the role you are applying for.

Stewardship & Community Learning: Share your classroom teaching style, experience working with students or volunteers, why ocean stewardship matters to you, and how you hope to grow at The Reef Institute.

Knowledge Building & Decision Making: Share your teaching style, experience coordinating youth or community programs, why ocean conservation excites you, and how you hope to grow at The Reef Institute.

A closer look at smooth flower coral, Eusmilia fastigiata. 🪸

Unlike many corals where individual polyps are hard to see, smooth flower coral has large, fleshy polyps that give the colony its flower-like appearance. Each polyp sits within its own cup-like skeleton, creating the distinct shapes and folds visible up close.

This species is a reminder that coral reefs are not just built from inanimate, stone-like structures. They are living communities, shaped by individual animals working together over time. Each species is unique, adding its own complexity to the reef.

At The Reef Institute, corals like this help tell the larger story of reef biodiversity and why protecting each species matters!

Up close with blushing star coral. 🪸

Blushing star coral, or Stephanocoenia intersepta, is a stony coral species found throughout Florida’s reef. It appears to “blush” as its polyps retract, revealing lighter tissue beneath and a star-shaped skeletal pattern.

Each small structure you see is an individual polyp, part of a larger colony working together to grow and build reef structure over time.

At The Reef Institute, this is one of the species maintained in our living coral biobank, where corals are cared for in controlled conditions to support their health and preserve genetic diversity for future restoration efforts!

Follow along and learn more about the corals we protect!

📸 Director of Science Communications Caleb

Meet Orbicella faveolata! 🪸🌄

Known as mountainous star coral, this species is an important reef builder in Florida and across the Caribbean. Its slow growing, boulder-like colonies help form the structure that reef ecosystems depend on.

These close up views show this species in our living biobank, where what appears to be a solid surface is actually a coral colony made up of many individual polyps, each connected and working together to build the coral’s skeleton and provide habitat for marine life.

As a major reef builder, the decline of Orbicella faveolata has widespread impacts across the ecosystem.

In our biobank, these corals are cared for in stable conditions to help preserve genetic diversity and support restoration efforts in Florida.

Reefs are built slowly, but they can be lost quickly.
Together, we can help protect what remains and rebuild what’s been lost.

Follow along to learn more and be part of protecting Florida’s reef!

From reef to protection. A big step for coral conservation at The Reef Institute.

In March, under FWC permits, our team, alongside dedicated volunteers and collaborators, carefully collected corals from Peanut Island due to concerns about sedimentation and environmental stress. These corals were safely brought to our facility and are now part of our living biobank

Here, they are cared for in stable conditions where they can grow, stay healthy, and contribute to future restoration efforts. As they mature, they have the potential to support the next generation of Florida’s coral reefs.

These corals come from an urban environment and have shown they can handle tough conditions, making them especially valuable as we work to support more resilient reefs.

This effort reflects the power of proactive, collaborative conservation, driven by our staff and volunteers and strengthened by local partnerships.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Studivan and Dr. Ashley Rossin (University of Miami CIMAS Coral Program ), Katelyn Armstrong (Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management), and the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat for transport support.

📸 Various TRI Staff