Coral diversity beyond the tropics

Corals are often associated with shallow-water tropical reef systems. Their success within these regions is often attributed to their symbiosis with photosynthetic algae (Symbiodinaceae), which reside in the coral tissue and provide energy to the coral host. However, approximately half of Scleractinian (hard) corals do not have a photosymbiotic relationship with Symbiodinaceae, and are instead heterotrophic. Without light constraints, these corals are able to exploit broad biogeographical ranges, found not only within the tropics, but to the polar regions of the world, and from intertidal zones to over 6000 metres in depth. Despite their prevalence and global distribution, these corals are significantly and comparatively understudied.

The Cold Water Coral Project aims to better explore the biology, ecology and significance of species without or with variable photosymbiosis, with focus on historically understudied habitats such as cold and temperate regions.