There are about 3700 species of coraL, but to be a little more specific there are 7 different types that every species of coral fit into. They are Lettuce, Finger, Elkhorn, Staghorn, Star, Fan, Brain. But to be even more specific all these corals are either hard coral, or soft coral. Hard corals, or reef building corals, produce a rock like skeleton made of calcium carbonate. Where soft coral does not produce the hard calcified skeleton of many reef-building corals. However, soft corals do produce smaller amounts of calcium carbonate that help them keep their shape. Soft corals look like colorful plants as well. The two images above are both types of hard coral. The top one is star coral, and the bottom one is brain coral. How are these corals similar and how are they different? What makes them a hard coral and not a soft coral? Why do you think these corals have the names they do?
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