Coral reefs in the Mexican Caribbean are one of the most amazing natural formations becuase of its colorful beauty and the fact that the reefs in the Mexican Caribbean are the most ancient ones in the planet. They are always located close to the equator in shallow, warm waters for most of their biological cycles take advantage of the sun energy.
Its basic structure is rock-like formations that actually are conglomerates
of small organisms called polyps. When they die they form a lime skeleton over
which a “shell” with the new generation develops. After some time they give shape to “mountains”, home to many kinds of fish, mollusks and other coral species, all brilliant and polychrome.
This is a very slow process and it has a very delicate equilibrium. Although some considerable sized formations have hundreds, even thousands of years of history, polyps are extremely sensitive to temperature changes and contact with other creatures.
That is why the massive interaction with man has damaged them, resulting in irreparable losses in few years. The SCUBA diving etiquette forbids categorically touching or swimming close by these living wonders.
Today we know coral reefs are the marine life base therefore our planet’s life base as well, it is of vital importance that we learn how to admire and protect them.
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