The research team of National Geographicaboard the Pristine Seas ship, had an unexpected encounter during his expedition. Initially mistaken for the wreck of a ship, this gigantic structure turned out to be an exceptionally large coral. Measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long and 5.5 meters high, with an impressive circumference of 183 meters, this “mega-coral” is equivalent to the area of two basketball courts.
What makes this discovery particularly fascinating is that it is a one and only organismcomposed of a network of identical polyps, rather than a classic coral reef. Scientists estimate that this structure may have grown continuously for 300 to 500 years, potentially making it the largest coral ever observed.
This discovery recalls the importance of the seas as places of all conflicts, during wars and in times of peace, but also as an inexhaustible source of natural wonders to be preserved.
A unique and threatened ecosystem
The identification of this giant coral as a Peacock nail – a widespread but rare species of hard coral – was made by underwater filmmaker Manu San Félix. The captured images show a striking spectacle: hundreds of fish evolving around this structure in brown, red, yellow and blue hues, highlighting its crucial role of marine habitat.
Although this mega-coral appears healthy, its immediate environment raises concerns. Parts of the reef closer to the surface show signs of significant degradation. This situation reflects an alarming trend globally:
- 44% of warm-water reef-building corals are threatened with extinction
- Climate change threatens 70 to 90% of tropical reefs with warming of 1.5°C
- At 2°C of warming, 99% of reefs could disappear
Preserving these unique ecosystems is crucial, as highlighted by the deployment of naval forces to protect these sensitive areas. The carrier strike group deployed in the Indo-Pacific demonstrates the strategic and ecological importance of these regions.
@vox Scientists just discovered a sea creature as large as two basketball courts, @Benji Jones reports. #coralreef #marinelife #oceanlife #ocean #marinebiology ♬ original sound – Vox
A giant among the giants of nature
This discovery is part of a lineage of exceptional organisms that populate our planet. Here’s a look at living world records:
| Body | Characteristic | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Posidonia australis | Largest plant | 180 km² |
| Hyperion (redwood) | Tallest tree | 115.55 meters |
| Blue whale | Plus grand animal | Up to 30 meters |
| Solomon mega-coral | Largest coral | 34 x 32 x 5.5 meters |
These giants of nature remind us of the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth and the importance of preserving these wonders for future generations.
A scientific treasure for the future
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has highlighted the vital importance of coral reefs to the region’s survival and economy. This mega-coral represents much more than just a scientific curiosity; he could hold crucial genetic information to understand the resilience of corals in the face of climate change.
Manu San Félix, the discoverer of this underwater colossus, poetically describes it as a “natural monument which saw the arrival of the first Europeans in these waters”. He adds: “Illustrious figures of humanity have coexisted with this colony: Newton, Darwin, Curie, Gandhi, Einstein… and it has survived them. It now stores information on how to survive through the centuries.”
This exceptional discovery reminds us that, even in the age of space exploration and artificial intelligence, our planet still holds captivating secrets. It underlines the urgency of protecting our oceans, true guardians of biodiversity and the history of our Earth.
