Symbiotic algae live inside the polyp tissue, photosynthesizing to supply up to ~90% of the coral’s energy. Water that gets too hot (sustained >~30–31°C) makes the coral expel its algae, causing bleaching, exposing the skeleton, and risking starvation and death.
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Drag "Water temperature" up → watch the coral expel its algae & bleach · pick a scenario · click any part or concept for details
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Water temperature & reef health over timetemperaturealgae / health