These 15 Photos Showcase the Intensely Brilliant Colors of Coral Reefs and the Creatures That Live Among Them

Travel | October 16, 2026 7:00 a.m. These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest highlight the importance of the marine ecosystems and the many species they help sustain Colorful coral flourish in New Caledonia, a French territory off the east coast of Australia, near a cliff overlooking beautiful, clear waters. Laura Jourdan, France, 2019 These 15 Photos Showcase the Intensely Brilliant Colors of Coral Reefs and the Creatures That Live Among Them These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest highlight the importance of the marine ecosystems and the many species they help sustain Photographs selected by Allison Scates October 16, 2026 7:00 a.m. Colorful coral flourish in New Caledonia, a French territory off the east coast of Australia, near a cliff overlooking beautiful, clear waters. Laura Jourdan, France, 2019 We refer to them as coral reefs, but “bouquets” is a word that comes to mind when observing these often colorful and vibrant marine animals. Although they resemble moss or succulents to some, coral are not underwater plants. They’re living creatures that are part of vital ocean ecosystems, sustaining life for fish, crustaceans and other sea dwellers. Unfortunately, coral are sensitive to temperature and, as a result, have been affected by the warming climate. According to some estimates, 90 percent of all coral reefs could disappear by 2050. Conservationists are working to save them, and photographers, including Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest entrants, are helping remind us how vivid and vital they are. Take a look. Coral are marine animals in the same classification as jellyfish and sea anemones. This one was found on the Great Barrier Reef. Lawrence Levy, Australia, 2010 Spectacular sponge and soft coral gardens hosting communities of fish life await divers who visit Atlantic Ocean reefs, like this one off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida. Tom Shlesinger, Florida, 2020 A reef shark swims above a coral head off the coast of Roatán. Tracy Kerestesh, Honduras, 2020 The Coral Triangle, a marine region spanning six countries in the Western Pacific, hosts more than 75 percent of all known coral species. Within the region is Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Romina Bayer, Indonesia, 2019 A fish swims above a pristine coral reef off Raja Ampat in Indonesia. Mok Wai Hoe, Indonesia, 2020 A branching Acropora coral spawns pinkish bundles of eggs and sperm. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2017 Some conservationists have launched programs to protect reefs and save coral species, growing samples taken from healthy specimens in monitored environments. Gilles Auroux, Fiji, 2022 Shallow waters are home to an array of coral in Palawan, an island in the Phillippines. Locals remove debris littering the animals’ habitat. Ramon I. Castillo, Philippines, 2019 The thriving coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat, also known as the Gulf of Aqaba, in the Red Sea host a remarkable diversity of marine life. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2018 A setting sun creates a purple-hued sky as neutral-toned fish and coral contrast the colors above. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2018 In the coral reefs near Ambitle Island in the Pacific Ocean, soft coral forms what looks like underwater mushroom hills. Tom Shlesinger, Papua New Guinea, 2018 An underwater observatory built near Eilat, Israel, more than 40 years ago to allow visitors an up-close look has become part of the seascape itself. Tom Shlesinger, Israel, 2023 A school of damselfish swim above the coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Kat Zhou, Indonesia, 2025 A striking lionfish trolls along a coral colony. Caitlin Winskill, Australia, 2025 You Might Also Like Planning Your Next Trip? Explore great travel deals A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission. More about: Australia Australia Travel Coral Reefs Ecology Fish Israel Mollusks, Worms, Sponges, Starfish Oceans Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries