Scientists from James Cook University reveal that black corals may hold the key to the survival of the Great Barrier Reef.
Research from the JCU study shows that black corals, an often-overlooked species, support higher fish numbers and greater diversity than hard corals.
Unlike many hard corals, black corals are not affected by bleaching, making them potentially important for reef resilience. The study found that fish use black corals for habitat and perform a wide range of ecological roles there.
Lead researcher Dr Erika Gress says black corals have been largely ignored because they resemble soft corals, even though they are evolutionarily distinct. She warns that while resistant to bleaching, black corals still face other threats such as cyanobacteria.
However, researchers are now calling for black corals to be included in future restoration efforts to strengthen reef resilience.
