Common Name/s: Coral

Scientific Name/s: Coral are marine animals of the class Anthozoa.

Range and Habitat: Coral reefs develop only in tropical or subtropical waters, though some corals exist in cold waters.

Status: Endangered

Coral reefs are being destroyed at an alarming rate; some are destroyed by dynamite fishing, others by uncontrolled fishing, some are harvested for nothing more than building materials. However, corals are also harvested for sale as tourist souvenirs and for the aquarium trade. The United States is the world's largest consumer of live coral for the aquarium trade and of coral skeletons and precious corals for curios and jewelry.