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Corals

Coral Reefs are living organisms made up of a compact colony of thousands of identical individual polyps (tiny, soft-bodied organisms related to sea anemones and jellyfish). At dusk, polyps emerge and use their stinging tentacles to catch microscopic organisms such as plankton. Corals are typically categorised as being hard and soft.

Reef building for hard corals occurs when each polyp secretes a cup-like limestone skeleton known as a ‘corallite’. As the skeleton grows, the colony of interconnected polyps develop. There are more than 350 known species of hard corals on the Great Barrier Reef, 200 species at Ningaloo Reef and 100 around Christmas Island, with Branching/Staghorn, Boulder, Plate, Cabbage, Brain and Mushroom corals some of the most commonly seen varieties. Hard corals have different growth rates; Boulder Corals are very slow growing with colonies that are hundreds of years old whilst Branching or Staghorn Corals are the fastest growing in tree-like shapes at 10-15 cm per year.

Unlike the solid limestone skeleton that hard corals have, soft corals have tiny calcium ‘spicules’ in their tissues, with polyps having eight, feathery tentacles connected by fleshy tissue. Soft corals are mostly found in the deeper waters around the Muiron Islands, just north of Exmouth & Ningaloo, as they do not need as much light as hard corals to survive. Some of the most common soft corals found across Australia’s tropical regions include Organ Pipes, Pink and Blue Soft Corals, Red Gorgonian Sea Fans, Elephant Ears, Cauliflower, Weeping and Sea Pens. A coral reef constitutes a varied and complex structure that serves as a habitat for many other marine animals, including Echinoderms (Starfish, Sea Urchins and Sea Cucumbers), Molluscs (Nudibranchs, Sea Snails, Mussels, Cuttlefishes, Octopuses, Squids), Crustaceans (Crayfish and Crabs) and especially fish.

Amongst the top of the most extraordinary natural events around the globe is the annual synchronised spawning of corals. This mass reproduction only happens once a year. Ningaloo Reef’s spawning occurs between seven and 10 days after the full moon in March and April. This event triggers the arrival of krill and plankton which in turn creates a feeding frenzy for numerous fish species, including the regions most famous resident, the massive Whale Shark.

Search for tours including Corals, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:

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Viewing opportunities that include corals

Months

  • Whale Shark

    March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth

    Ningaloo & Exmouth - Autumn Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates

    Fish

    Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse |  Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
    Sharks & Rays

    Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
    Molluscs

    Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
    Corals & Sea Anemones

    Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone

    How to find these species

    MarkDebFerguson"In Autumn each year, the incredible mass spawning of coral takes between seven and 10 days after the full moon in March and April. This event triggers the arrival of krill and plankton which in turn creates a feeding frenzy for numerous fish species, including the regions most famous resident, the massive Whale Shark. This region is a haven for the world’s largest fish, with Whale Sharks of 12 metres length seen in the area. They spend plenty of time at the surface to feed and warm up from the sun’s rays. The opportunity to swim with these graceful and passive giants is an awe-inspiring experience.

    The marine life found at Ningaloo is incredibly diverse, with 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region. Popular fish sightings range from Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, Wrasse, to larger fish such as Groper, Coral Trout, Cod and Trevally. A huge variety of nudibranches are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours.

    Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks, Great Hammerheads, Carpetsharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Bull Rays and the well-camouflaged Northern Wobbegong are highlights for divers whilst Manta Rays can be seen in performing their incredible courtship dances around April, with the species growing up to 7 metres wide (disc width) and around 1,350 kg (2,980 lb)."

    Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide 

    Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour

    Duration: Full Day
    Type: Shared or Private 

    Right on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Corals

  • Nudibranch (Gymnodoris Impudica)

    June,July,August, Ningaloo & Exmouth

    Ningaloo & Exmouth - Winter Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates

    Fish

    Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse |  Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
    Sharks & Rays

    Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
    Molluscs

    Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
    Corals & Sea Anemones

    Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger, Porite | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Cabbage Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone

    How to find these species

    MarkDebFerguson"The winter season coincides with Coral Spawn & Plankton reaching its highest concentration in the region, meaning the marine biodiversity at this time is incredible. The most famous resident of the region, the enormous Whale Shark, is seen until the end of July feasting on the krill and plankton. Manta Rays can also be seen gracefully dancing around Exmouth, feeding on zooplankton. With 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region it is a snorkellers and divers delight. Ningaloo is primarily a hard coral reef with Finger Coral, Staghorn & Porites common in the area, whilst at the top of the Exmouth Gulf around the Muiron Islands, there is a stunning array of colourful soft corals including Gorgonian Fans, Cabbage Leather Coral, and sponges such as Callyspongia, Golf Ball Sponge. A huge variety of Nudibranches are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours and are so named because most of them have exposed gills. Grey Nurse Sharks congregate around the Navy Pier during the winter months, competing for space with the Whitetip Reef Sharks and Wobbegongs."

    Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide 

    Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour

    Duration: Full Day
    Type: Shared or Private 

    Right on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Corals

  • Pink Anomonefish

    September,October,November, Ningaloo & Exmouth

    Ningaloo & Exmouth - Spring Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates

    Fish

    Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse |  Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
    Sharks & Rays

    Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
    Molluscs

    Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
    Corals & Sea Anemones

    Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger, Porite | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Cabbage Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone

    How to find these species

    MarkDebFergusonNingaloo Reef is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, with this intricate ecosystem branching over 260 km and, at some points, is only metres from the beach. This is an ideal time to see Manta Rays along the reef near Exmouth, that are present feeding on the plankton rich water. There are around 500 species of fish in the region including Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, Wrasse through to larger fish such as Groper, Coral Trout, Giant Potato Cod and Trevally. A keen eye will be able to spot the Sailfin Catfish which is endemic to the region and present year round. More than 50 per cent of Indian Ocean coral species are found across the Ningaloo Marine Park area, with over 300 species, including Finger, Staghorn, Porites, Cabbage Leather, Brain, Plate and Bubble Corals. Whilst not a coral, Anemone’s are common, providing habitat for some of the reef’s most endearing residents; the Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish and Clark's Anemonefish.

    Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide 

    Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour

    Duration: Full Day
    Type: Shared or Private 

    Right on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Corals

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