It is at least 300 years old and larger than a blue whale – the world’s largest coral recently discovered in the Pacific Ocean.
Now scientists are rejoicing over the giant living organism, which was discovered by chance when a diver was searching for wreckage.
The giant coral was found off the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Diver Manu San Felix was the one who made the unexpected discovery.
– I dived in a place where the map said there was a shipwreck. Then I saw something else, says Manu San Felix.
What appeared to the diver is the largest coral ever documented. After the research team examined the coral, it was determined that it is more than 30 meters in diameter and at least 300 years old.
Difference to coral reefs
Unlike a reef, which consists of many colonies, this coral is a single specimen that has grown continuously for centuries.
– It is very emotional. I felt a tremendous respect for something that has stayed in one place and survived for hundreds of years, says discoverer Manu San Felix, according to CNN.
The researcher: “Didn’t think there was more to discover”
It has now been shown that the coral is so large that it can be seen from satellites in space.
Scientists are delighted to find such a large and “healthy” coral, in an ocean where coral reefs are disappearing more and more.
– Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on the planet, we find a massive coral made of almost a billion tiny polyps, pulsing with life, says Enric Sala, researcher for National Geographic, to CNN.
The coral holds a large amount of marine life, with fish, crabs and shrimp. Scientists also hope to get information on how ocean conditions have developed over several hundred years, because the coral is so old.