Marine Life
Fascinating Types of Coral in Thailand
By Jaruda Suppakarnpanich Date 26 Nov 2024
Discover the different types of coral reefs in Thailand and the many types of coral species inhabiting them and making the country a mecca for divers.
One of the top attractions of Thailand for divers, is the wealth and diversity of coral reefs and the many species of different hard and soft corals.
There are four main types of reef systems, and three of them are found in the calm, warm and high-visibility waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Because of these superb conditions, Thailand has become a top-rated destination for beginner and experienced divers from around the world.
Thailand is the perfect place to start for those interested in experiencing the world of diving. We'll offer some tips and diving resources to help you discover this colorful underwater world.
Types of Coral Reefs
To get started, we’ll explain the different types of coral reefs you’re likely to encounter when diving in Thailand.
1. Fringing Reefs
Fringing reefs are typically found just off a beach or set of rocks close to shore. They’re mainly shallow-water reefs with corals found in around 2-4 meters of water. These are great reefs for diving or snorkeling. You can walk or swim to the reef from the shore, making them easily accessible and very popular. The shallow water allows more of the color spectrum to be visible, which is why these reefs appear to be one of the most colorful areas in the ocean. Fringing reefs are also the favorite haunts of a wide variety of vibrant marine life. Popular spots for these reefs are Koh Tao and the Phi Phi Islands.
2. Barrier Reefs
Barrier reefs are typically large, expansive reef systems found further offshore in water 5 to 30 meters deep. Being further and deeper offshore means they are home to some of the larger reef-dwelling marine animals, like reef sharks, moray eels, and sea turtles. They also attract some of the pelagic species of sea life, like manta rays. In the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands and Surin Islands are famous for their barrier reefs.
3. Patch Reefs
These are isolated clusters of coral that can be found in shallow or deep water. Shallow water patch reefs are excellent for beginner divers and snorkelers. Patch reefs can be found in both the shallow and deep waters of Phang Nga Bay, east of Phuket.
4. Atolls
Atolls are the only type of coral reef that aren’t found in Thailand. They are formed by coral on the remainder of the rim of an ancient volcanic seamount. An island is formed in the center of the atoll over time, and coral forms a ring around the island. There is no volcanic activity in Thailand, so coral atolls are unknown here.
Types of Coral Species in Thailand
Thailand is home to a wealth of both hard and soft types of coral species. Hard corals, also called hermatypic corals, create hard skeletal calcium carbonate structures that form reefs and can define coastlines and shipping channels over time. Hard coral species in Thailand include large boulder coral, brain coral, staghorn coral, and leaf coral.
Soft corals, also known as ahermatypic coral, don't create this structure. They resemble a plant or seaweed and are easily damaged. Thailand’s soft coral species include whip coral, fan coral, bubble coral, carnation coral, sun coral and cup coral. Both hard and soft species of coral can inhabit a coral reef, but soft varieties are often rooted in hard corals.
Protecting the Coral of Thailand
One of the first things you'll learn when you enroll in a dive course in Thailand is the importance of caring for the health of the coral. Coral creates a habitat for millions of sea creatures and represents a crucial step in the food chain of the world's oceans. You'll be reminded that all corals are living things. You should never step on coral or use it as a handhold when diving or snorkeling.
You should also use only sunscreen that is reef-safe. Oxybenzone and other compounds found in many sunscreens have been proven to damage corals. Thankfully, many manufacturers have started manufacturing reef-safe sunscreen which excludes the use of these compounds and chemicals. Reef-safe sunscreen brands are widely available in Thailand.
Explore Diving in Thailand with Giant Stride
If you’re interested in taking a diving course and exploring the magnificent undersea world in Thailand, you’ll find what you need at Giant Stride.
We’re a one-stop destination for information on recommended open-water diving courses in Thailand and one-day dive boat trips and liveaboards in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
We provide information that allows you to compare vendors, what they offer, and their prices. We also enable you to choose your vendor and book your course or trip directly through our website. So, choose your course and explore Thailand's coral reefs with Giant Stride!
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