ClipArt ETC
Of the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), the trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Of the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), the trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

Chain-coral (Halysites catenulatus).

Chain-Coral

Chain-coral (Halysites catenulatus).

A fossil of the coral, Stauria astraeformis, a prehistoric hexacoral.

Stauria astraeformis

A fossil of the coral, Stauria astraeformis, a prehistoric hexacoral.

A fossil of the coral, Zaphrentis cornicula, an extinct rugosa.

Zaphrentis cornicula

A fossil of the coral, Zaphrentis cornicula, an extinct rugosa.

The common Devonian coral, Favosites polymorpha.

Common Devonian Coral

The common Devonian coral, Favosites polymorpha.

The prehistoric hexacoral, Cyathophyllum hexagonum.

Cyathophyllum hexagonum

The prehistoric hexacoral, Cyathophyllum hexagonum.

"Atoll, a coral reef surrounding a pool of shallow water, usually called a lagoon. The atoll is formed by the building of a coral reef on a circular or nearly circular foundation. It is usually broken in one or more places so that the lagoon is connected with the surrounding waters." -Foster, 1921

Atoll

"Atoll, a coral reef surrounding a pool of shallow water, usually called a lagoon. The atoll is formed…

Smooth-shelled Pectens have colors that are frequently lively and brilliant. This is the Coral Pecten.

Pecten Foliaceus.

Smooth-shelled Pectens have colors that are frequently lively and brilliant. This is the Coral Pecten.

"This genus has the summit hollowed out into a starlike cup. It inhabits the Mediterranean, and is common on some parts of the English and Irish coasts."

Caryophyllia Cyathus (Lamarck)

"This genus has the summit hollowed out into a starlike cup. It inhabits the Mediterranean, and is common…

"In the subfamily of the Zoanthidae, the polyps occur in clusters, and are multiplied by buds, rising from a common, creeping, root-like, fleshy base. This species possesses the power of considerably altering its shape; sometimes the mouth is depressed, and at others it is elevated into an obtuse cone."

Flabellum Pavonium (Lesson)

"In the subfamily of the Zoanthidae, the polyps occur in clusters, and are multiplied by buds, rising…

Oculina ranges from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, though the main population of concern is off east-central Florida where it forms unique thicket-type structures in 70-100 meters (230 to 330 ft) depth known as the "Oculina Banks". Colonies are arborescent, with highly clumped, irregular bushy branches.

Oculina Virginea (Lamarck)

Oculina ranges from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, though the…

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the reefs which from the coral and madreporic islands so conspicuous in the three oceans. The treelike genus have cells of considerable depth, radiating into numerous lamellae, forming a widely branching, arborescent coral, externally striated, internally furrowed, and truncate at the extremities."

Dendrophyllia Ramea (De Blainville)

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the…

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the reefs which from the coral and madreporic islands so conspicuous in the three oceans. The treelike genus have cells of considerable depth, radiating into numerous lamellae, forming a widely branching, arborescent coral, externally striated, internally furrowed, and truncate at the extremities."

Dendrophyllia Ramea with Polypi (De Blainville)

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the…

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the reefs which from the coral and madreporic islands so conspicuous in the three oceans. The treelike genus have cells of considerable depth, radiating into numerous lamellae, forming a widely branching, arborescent coral, externally striated, internally furrowed, and truncate at the extremities."

Dendrophyllia Ramea, Magnified (De Blainville)

"The Madrepores abound in all inter-tropical seas, taking a considerable part in the formation of the…

"The Plantain Madrepore is an interesting species, the polyps presenting themselves in tufts, with slender and prolific branches."

Madrepora Plantaginea (Lamarck)

"The Plantain Madrepore is an interesting species, the polyps presenting themselves in tufts, with slender…

"The polyp of the <em>Porites</em> is an animal somewhat pitcher-shaped, with twelve short tentacula, having unequal polygonal cells, imperfectly defined, slightly radiating by thread-like, pointed rays. Externally it presents the figure of an irregular trelliswork, more or less loosely connected in its meshes."

Porites Furcata (Lamarck)

"The polyp of the Porites is an animal somewhat pitcher-shaped, with twelve short tentacula,…

"The Blue Minyad is a type of a family in which the base of the body, in place of extending itself in a disk-like form, in order to grapple with the rocks and other projections at the bottom of the sea, turns itself inward, forming a sort of purse, which seems to imprison the air. From this results a sort of hydrostatic apparatus, aided by which the animals can float in the water and transport themselves from one place to another."

Blue Minyad (Minyas Cyanea)

"The Blue Minyad is a type of a family in which the base of the body, in place of extending itself in…

"The <em>Tubipora</em> is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged tubes, connected together at regular distances by lamellar expansions of the same material. The aggregate formation resulting from the combination of tubes constitutes a variously shaped mass, which often attains a very considerable size."

Tubipora Musica

"The Tubipora is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged…

"The <em>Tubipora</em> is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged tubes, connected together at regular distances by lamellar expansions of the same material. The aggregate formation resulting from the combination of tubes constitutes a variously shaped mass, which often attains a very considerable size."

Magnified Portion of Tubipora Musica

"The Tubipora is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged…

"The <em>Tubipora</em> is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged tubes, connected together at regular distances by lamellar expansions of the same material." This figure shows the polyp, which occupies the summit of the tube, and which forms this curious coral.

Tube and Polyp of Tubipora Musica

"The Tubipora is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged…

"The <em>Tubipora</em> is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged tubes, connected together at regular distances by lamellar expansions of the same material." This figure shows a close-up of the polyp.

Polyp of Tubipora Musica

"The Tubipora is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged…

"The <em>Tubipora</em> is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged tubes, connected together at regular distances by lamellar expansions of the same material." This figure shows the crown of delicately fringed tentacula of a individual polyp.

Crown of Delicately Fringed Tentacula of Tubipora Musica

"The Tubipora is a calcareous coral, formed by the combination of distinct, regularly arranged…

"The <em>Fan Gorgon</>, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The resemblance of its network to fine lace gives rise to its name of <em>Sea-Fan</em>."

Gorgonia Flabellum

"The Fan Gorgon, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The…

"The <em>Fan Gorgon</>, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The resemblance of its network to fine lace gives rise to its name of <em>Sea-Fan</em>."

Magnified Portion of Fan Gorgon

"The Fan Gorgon, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The…

"The <em>Fan Gorgon</>, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The resemblance of its network to fine lace gives rise to its name of <em>Sea-Fan</em>. The Whorled Gorgon, which is found in the Mediterranean, is of elegant form."

Gorgonia Verticellata

"The Fan Gorgon, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The…

"The <em>Fan Gorgon</>, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The resemblance of its network to fine lace gives rise to its name of <em>Sea-Fan</em>. The Whorled Gorgon, which is found in the Mediterranean, is of elegant form."

Magnified Portion of Gorgonia Verticellata

"The Fan Gorgon, from the Antilles; it often attains a height of eighteen or twenty inches. The…

"A species of <em>Isis</em> has numerous slender branches, furnished with cylindrical knows at intervals, contracted toward the middle, finely striated; it has a singular resemblance to the Common Mare's Tail."

Isis Hippuris

"A species of Isis has numerous slender branches, furnished with cylindrical knows at intervals,…

"The polyp itself is formed of a whitish, membranous tube, nearly cylindrical, having an upper disk, surrounded by its eight tentacula, bearing many delicate pinnae spreading out laterally. These tentacula resemble the corolla of some flower."

Coral Polyp (Lacaze-Duthiers)

"The polyp itself is formed of a whitish, membranous tube, nearly cylindrical, having an upper disk,…

"The arms of the polyps are at times subject to violent agitation, and the tentacula become much excited. If this excitement continues, the tentacula can be seen to fold and roll themselves up. The little opening around which these tentacula are attached forms the mouth of the polyp."

Coral Polyp (Lacaze-Duthiers)

"The arms of the polyps are at times subject to violent agitation, and the tentacula become much excited.…

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a great quantity of pointed spiculae, which are constituted of bundles at the base of the calyx of each polyp. This figure shows one which inhabits the Mediterranean Sea."

Pennatula Spinosa

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a…

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a great quantity of pointed spiculae, which are constituted of bundles at the base of the calyx of each polyp. The polyps appear upon the waving and deeply indented lobes."

Loose Winged Virgularia (Virgularia Mirabilis)

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a…

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a great quantity of pointed spiculae, which are constituted of bundles at the base of the calyx of each polyp. The polyps appear upon the waving and deeply indented lobes."

Branch of Loose Winged Virgularia

"These winged species of polypidom are somewhat scythe-shaped, well developed, and furnished with a…

"The <em>Umbellularia Groenlandica</em> has a very long stem, which is terminated at the summit only by a cluster of polyps. It is an inhabitant of the northern seas."

Umbellularia Groenlandica (Lamarck)

"The Umbellularia Groenlandica has a very long stem, which is terminated at the summit only…

"The species shown in this figure has a simple, cylindrical body, without branchiae, and a rudimentary polypidom furnished with very large polyps of a whitish color."

Veretillum Cynomorium (Lamarck)

"The species shown in this figure has a simple, cylindrical body, without branchiae, and a rudimentary…

Coralline Rock is a type of rock formed by the death of layers of Coralline algae. It is visually quite bright like the algae, and is often desired as aquarium decoration. Since it is formed from the dead algae, it contains some nutrients and calcium carbonate, which has allowed it to be used in some building structures.

Coralline

Coralline Rock is a type of rock formed by the death of layers of Coralline algae. It is visually quite…

The manta ray (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been more than 7.6 m (about 25 ft) across, with a weight of about 2,300 kg (about 5,000 lbs). It ranges throughout all tropical waters of the world, typically around coral reefs. Mantas have been given a variety of common names, including Atlantic manta, Pacific manta, devilfish, and just manta. Some people just call all members of the family stingrays, though stingrays comprise a separate family of rays (Dasyatidae). Recent studies have discovered that what is called manta ray are at least two different species, one smaller local and one much larger and migratory.

Manta Ray

The manta ray (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having…

The typical representation of coral reef on a topographical map.

Coral Reef

The typical representation of coral reef on a topographical map.

Cobras are venomous snakes of the familys Elapidae, of several genera, but particularly Naja. (Non-cobra elapidae include the taipans, brown snakes, tiger snakes, fierce snakes, coral snakes, mambas and sea snakes.) Cobras generally inhabit tropical and desert regions of Asia and Africa. When feeling threatened, cobras can rear up and flatten their heads into an instantly recognisable warning posture. The rest of the time their heads are symmetrical and they look much like any other snake bites.

Cobra Head

Cobras are venomous snakes of the familys Elapidae, of several genera, but particularly Naja. (Non-cobra…

An illustration of a branch of dendrophyllia.

Dendrophyllia

An illustration of a branch of dendrophyllia.

An illustration of part of a stock of precious coral (red coral). Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry.

Precious Coral

An illustration of part of a stock of precious coral (red coral). Precious coral or red coral is the…

Moray eels are large cosmopolitan eels of the family Muraenidae. There are approximately 200 species in 15 genera. The typical length of a moray is 1.5 m (5 ft), with the largest being the slender giant moray, Strophidon sathete, at up to 4 m (13 ft). Morays usually live in warm waters, and subtropical coral reefs to depths of 150 m, where they spend most of their time concealed inside crevices and alcoves.

Moray Eel

Moray eels are large cosmopolitan eels of the family Muraenidae. There are approximately 200 species…

Seahorses are a genus (Hippocampus) of fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae, which also includes pipefish and leafy sea dragons. There are over 32 species of seahorse, mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world. They prefer to live in sheltered areas such as sea grass beds, coral reefs, or mangroves.

Seahorse

Seahorses are a genus (Hippocampus) of fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae, which also includes…

An illustration of a slipper coral fossil.

Slipper Coral

An illustration of a slipper coral fossil.

Corals are marine organisms from the class Anthozoa and exist as small sea anemone-like polyps, typically in colonies of many identical individuals. The group includes the important reef builders that are found in tropical oceans, which secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.

Coral

Corals are marine organisms from the class Anthozoa and exist as small sea anemone-like polyps, typically…

An illustration of calcarina spengleri.

Calcarina Spengleri

An illustration of calcarina spengleri.

Echinopora rosetta is a species of stone coral belonging to the Echinoporidae family.

Stone Coral

Echinopora rosetta is a species of stone coral belonging to the Echinoporidae family.

Eschara elegans (Coscinopleura) is a prehistoric bryozoan, a marine animal similar to a coral.

Prehistoric Bryozoan

Eschara elegans (Coscinopleura) is a prehistoric bryozoan, a marine animal similar to a coral.

Corallina, a modern lime-secreting alga (entire plant).

Corallina

Corallina, a modern lime-secreting alga (entire plant).

Corallina, a modern lime-secreting alga (a small branch enlarged).

Corallina

Corallina, a modern lime-secreting alga (a small branch enlarged).

A simple cup-coral attached to the sea-bottom.

Cup-coral

A simple cup-coral attached to the sea-bottom.

Compound coral head with polyps partly expanded and partly contracted. The expanded polyps show the tentacles which surround the mouth; the contracted polyps show the polygonal outline from crowding.

Coral Head

Compound coral head with polyps partly expanded and partly contracted. The expanded polyps show the…

A compound coral head with crowded prismatic corallites. The specimen represents a worn pebble, formerly a part of a larger head.

Coral Head

A compound coral head with crowded prismatic corallites. The specimen represents a worn pebble, formerly…

Reef coral with slightly enlarged calices.

Reef Coral

Reef coral with slightly enlarged calices.

A massive branching coral with very small calices; an important reef builder.

Coral

A massive branching coral with very small calices; an important reef builder.

Head of brain coral with soft parts.

Brain Coral

Head of brain coral with soft parts.

Head of brain coral with corallum.

Brain Coral

Head of brain coral with corallum.

The chain coral. This is an important index fossil of the Silurian, and an important limestone builder as well.

Chain Coral

The chain coral. This is an important index fossil of the Silurian, and an important limestone builder…

A characteristic a-separate compound coral. The columns are prismatic and their walls pierced by regular pores. Internally the tubes are divided by horizontal plates or tabulae. This is an important limestone builder in the Palaeozoic.

Compound Coral

A characteristic a-separate compound coral. The columns are prismatic and their walls pierced by regular…

Eschara philomela is a prehistoric bryozoan, a marine animal similar to a coral.

Prehistoric Bryozoan

Eschara philomela is a prehistoric bryozoan, a marine animal similar to a coral.

Corals are marine organisms from the class Anthozoa and exist as small sea anemone&ndash;like polyps, typically in colonies of many identical individuals. The group includes the important reef builders that are found in tropical oceans, which secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.

Coral

Corals are marine organisms from the class Anthozoa and exist as small sea anemone–like polyps,…