Marine Biology

Temperature

Reef-building corals tend to live in shallow waters that border islands or continental shelves within the latitudes of 32° 30’ N to 32° S, where waters are warmer. They grow in warm waters that range in temperatures from 18 - 36°C (64 to 97° F). The ideal temperature range for these corals is 25-29°C (77 to 84° F). Reef development does not occur in waters where the annual mean minimum temperature drop below 18°C. Optimal reef development occurs in waters where the mean annual temperatures are about 23 - 25º C.