World's largest coral found in Pacific Ocean

Why in news?

Scientists have found the largest coral ever in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Mega coral, which is a collection of many connected, smaller organisms.
It was discovered in Solomon Islands.
- This island is located about 2,000 km north-east of Australia.
It can be more than 300 years old.
According to the discoverer, seeing the coral was like seeing an "underwater cathedral".
- They say that it is even bigger than a blue whale.
It is 34 meters wide, 32 meters long and 5.5 meters high.

Coral:

It is a type of marine organism.
It is also called Praval.
They are made up of genetically similar organisms, called polyps.
There is a mutual relationship between corals and algae.
- Corals provide algae with compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
- In return, algae provide carbohydrates to corals.
These are lime-based organisms with a hard structure.
The calcium carbonate released by them forms rocks inside the sea.
- These are called coral reefs or coral rocks.
- Coral reefs are also called rainforests of the sea.
- These are the second richest ecosystem in the world.

Temperature:
- Most hard corals thrive in water ranging from 23° to 29° Celsius.
- Some corals can also live in temperatures ranging from 20° to 32° Celsius.
Salinity of water:
- They need salty water to survive.
- The salinity of sea water should be between 27% and 40%.
Water depth:
- They are adapted to living at depths less than 30 metres (100 feet).
Light:
- They require a lot of light.
Water transparency:
- Corals do not grow well if the water is opaque.