The Shallow Reef Exhibit offers a glimpse into the intricate and diverse components of a Hawaiian coral reef ecosystem. Despite their rocky appearance, corals are fascinating animals belonging to the cnidarian group, just like sea jellies and anemones. Each coral polyp, though small, contributes to the colony’s overall structure by secreting calcium carbonate, which builds up over time to form the entire reef. Beyond their structural role, corals provide vital food and shelter for other reef inhabitants. They capture and consume plankton using their tentacles and stinging cells, but they also rely on a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral tissue, providing nutrients through photosynthesis and giving corals their vibrant colors.