This young coral reef is the beginning of a reef ecosystem. Notice the small domes of corals near the lower left corner of this picture. These coralheads are barely one foot across. Since coral colonies grow at about 1/4 of an inch each year, these one-foot colonies must be about 50 years old.

Nearby are the tall branches of two Sea Rod Coral colonies. Near the center of the picture is a bright orange Tube Sponge colony.

Learn more about the reefs of Bimini on the ReefNews Bimini webpages.