(Image: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London)
Measuring a metre across, this giant Turbinaria coral would have provided a sanctuary for thousands of other sea creatures, including oysters and plants amid its labyrinthine crevices, layers and branches. It is one of more than 250 specimens in a new exhibition called at London鈥檚 Natural History Museum.
Other exhibits include six corals collected by Charles Darwin on his epic voyage of discovery on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836, which illustrate his first scientific theory about coral reef formation. Visitors can also see a giant clam, a giant grouper (below) 鈥� a bony fish the size of a motorbike 鈥� and a sea fan, a delicate lace-like structure that survives by filtering food from water, and provides a home for seahorses.
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(Image: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London)
For those who prefer action, a live coral reef supporting 40 fish species and 26 pieces of coral is on display, plus there鈥檚 the opportunity to take a 鈥渧irtual dive鈥� through some of the world鈥檚 most famous reefs, including Australia鈥檚 Great Barrier Reef.
The exhibition opens on Friday 27 March and runs until September.
