Photo: ead72/Depositphotos
Sometimes, the biggest surprises in the natural world are hidden in plain sight.
However, due to its depth, it had long been mistaken for a shipwreck or a big rock.
The coral belongs to a species known asPavona clavus, or shoulder blade coral.
Photo: ead72/Depositphotos
It is mostly brown with some intense yellow, blue, pink, and red patches.
The researchers who found it think it is around 300 years old, but it could be even older.
It was only discovered in October 2024 by a group of researchers belonging to the National GeographicPristine Seasteam.
Photo: Anne Hoggett viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY 3.0)
This is a significant scientific discovery, like finding the worlds tallest tree.
But there is cause for alarm.
Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats.
Photo: Philippe Bourjon viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sala says, This discovery rekindles our sense of awe and wonder about the ocean.
A team of scientists recently discovered the worlds largest-known coral in the waters of the Solomon Islands.
Photo: Anne Hoggett viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY 3.0)
