Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labelled it one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Black-spotted goby – Istigobius nigroocellatus

Peacock wrasse – Iniistius pavo

Decorated goby – Istigobius decoratus

Stony Coral – Isopora brueggemanni

Rippled rockskipper – Istiblennius edentulus

Ornate goby – Istigobius ornatus

Bearded ghoul – Inimicus didactylus

Fivefinger wrasse – Iniistius pentadactylus

Stony Coral, Large Star Coral – Favites abdita

Stony Coral – Favites halicora

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Fauna

The Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide diversity of life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 411 species of hard coral, 134 species of sharks and rays, and over 1,625 species of invertebrates. The reef is also home to a variety of marine mammals, including dugongs, dolphins, whales, and turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most important marine ecosystems in the world, and it plays a vital role in the health of the planet. The reef is a major tourist destination, and it generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Surrounding Countries

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is surrounded by the Coral Sea to the east, and by the mainland of Australia to the west. The reef is located in the tropics, and it experiences a warm, humid climate. The water temperature in the Great Barrier Reef ranges from 17°C (63°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer.

Facts

Here are some facts about the Great Barrier Reef:

  • The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system.
  • The reef is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
  • The reef stretches for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi).
  • The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
  • The reef is home to a wide diversity of life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 411 species of hard coral, 134 species of sharks and rays, and over 1,625 species of invertebrates.
  • The reef is also home to a variety of marine mammals, including dugongs, dolphins, whales, and turtles.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most important marine ecosystems in the world, and it plays a vital role in the health of the planet.
  • The reef is a major tourist destination, and it generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.