Coral 1

National Zoo Animal Keeper Michael Henley extracts a tile from a tank at the Zoo’s Invertebrates Exhibit to examine it for coral polyps—millimeter-sized corals that could eventually grow to be 10 feet wide. The 90-gallon, salt-water tank features high-wattage lights and a custom-built surge device that mimics the movement of the surf in the coral’s native Caribbean habitat. From the original 12,000, 158 larvae settled onto the specially designed tiles and formed polyps.

Photo by Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

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Coral 2

Animal Keeper Michael Henley regulates the water flow in a coral larvae rearing device developed by scientist. Using 75 feet of specially designed flexible PVC piping that could be bent around the coral so as not to harm it, the team created a water-flow system that allowed water from the ocean to continuously flow in and out of the coral larvae enclosure located in the beachfront laboratory. Keeping the water fresh and at a constant temperature is essential for corals that flourish in stable environments.

Photo by Manon Laterveer de Beer

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Coral 3

National Zoo Reproductive Scientist Mary Hagedorn extracts the algal cells that live inside coral. These cells are the powerhouses of the coral and provide them with energy. In order for the young coral larvae to grow and thrive, scientists must extract the algae from adult coral and give it to the larvae.

Photo by Manon Laterveer de Beer

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