When you think of coral, a single image might come to mind, but the reality is that the term "coral" is an umbrella for an astonishing variety of species, each with its own unique form, color, and function! There are two main types: hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals, with their rigid, stony skeletons made of calcium carbonate, are the primary architects of the reef. They build the magnificent structures that create homes for thousands of marine species. Soft corals, on the other hand, are