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A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose polyps cluster in groups.

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Corals prefer seawater to have a pH level between 8.0–8.3, which is the standard pH of saltwater. It is very difficult for corals to grow in acidic conditions.

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Humans are one of the biggest threats to the coral reef ecosystem, and are the reason why the population of coral reefs are declining. Several laws have already been put in place to protect the coral reefs, including Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act which regulates fishing, as overfishing is a severe problem, and protects essential fish habitats. Pollution also greatly affects the coral reef ecosystem, as it throws off the natural balance of the entire ecosystem and damages the environment. Global warming is probably the biggest threat to coral reefs, however. This warming causes corals to lose the microscopic algae that produce food that corals need, placing stress on the corals. Without this algae coral also lose their coloration—a condition known as coral bleaching— because the loss of algae reveals the white color of the calcium carbonate structure underlying the polyps. Severe or prolonged bleaching can kill coral colonies or leave them more vulnerable to other threats such as infectious disease.

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Corals prefer low nutrient water. Nutrients include phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). When there are lots of nutrients, this may cause algae and phytoplankton to grow. This process can block out the light that zooxanthellae need to survive

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Corals can tolerate a salinity range of 23–42 ppt. The average ocean salinity is 35 ppt.

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Corals thrive in the warm waters of the tropics. They prefer a water temperature range of 60.8–93.9°F

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Corals need a moderate amount of sunlight in order to survive.

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The clownfish get a safe place to live, as they are the only fish that aren t affected by the sea anemone s stinging tentacles. In return the clownfish cleans the anemone and gives it better water circulation by waiving its fins.

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Corals provide a home for the zooxanthellae and in return, the zooxanthellae, provide oxygen from photosynthesis, and organic matter such as carbohydrates and protein which the corals use as nutrients.

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The starfish contribute to the reef's diversity by eating faster-growing coral species, which allow for slower-growing species to thrive.

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Many anemone species act as homes for other reef animals such as
clownfish that live in the anemone’s tentacles to gain protection from
predators. In exchange for the home, the anemone gets small food particles leftover from the fish’s meals so that both organisms benefit.

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A diverse sponge population can affect water quality on the reef as the sponges filter water, collect bacteria, and process carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.