Magnificent stands of elkhorn, meandrine brain, large cactus, thin fungus and
staghorn coral form crowded coral stands.
Not exact matches
Colonies of these polyps
form the reef structure growing in strange and exotic shapes from which the different varieties of
corals take their popular names, such as brain
coral,
staghorn coral and elkhorn
coral.
There are many varieties of
corals, but the major reef - building ones are the massive
forms of brain
coral; various types of finger
coral; two well - known branching
corals, elkhorn and
staghorn; and sheet
coral.
On the southside of the island there is the biggest formation of
staghorn coral you re likely to see,
forming a stunning view and protection to an abundance of fish.
Our first dive of the day happened in Melissas Garden, one of the archipelagos most extensive hard
coral garden,
formed of species such as elkhorn,
staghorn, elephant ear, and others.