Tag Page CoralReefs

Florida reefs face threat from invasive coral

Xenia pulse corals, with their flower-like appearance and pulsing tentacles, are raising alarms for Florida’s marine life. These fast-spreading invaders have already taken over parts of Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico, and now officials worry they could smother Florida’s native corals and seagrasses. That’s a big deal—healthy reefs and seagrass beds filter pollution, store carbon, and keep our water and air cleaner. If these newcomers take over, it could mean costly cleanups and a hit to local wildlife. If you spot unusual corals, report them to help protect our coast! What do you think—should we be more proactive about ocean invaders? #Science #Florida #CoralReefs