Solomon Islands: The largest coral in the world, measuring 32 metres long, has been found in the Solomon Islands.

According to Oman News Agency, the coral, which is visible from space, is three times larger than the previous record-breaker and is believed to be about 300 years old. It is mostly brown, but features splashes of bright yellows, blues, and reds, and is covered with ripples of waves, mirroring the ocean’s surface.

At 34 metres wide, the organism is made up of a network of coral polyps, tiny individual creatures. It was discovered by scientists working aboard a research vessel in the south-west Pacific Ocean in October 2024. Unlike a reef, which is a network of many coral colonies, the newly discovered structure is a standalone coral that has grown uninterrupted for hundreds of years.

The coral species, Pavona clavus, provides habitat, shelter, and breeding grounds for an array of different animals, from shrimp and crabs to fish. The discovery was made in the Three Sisters island group by member
s of the National Geographic Pristine Seas team.

Despite its colours and size to the naked eye, the coral looks just like a giant rock beneath the ocean surface. When the researchers initially spotted the coral, they thought it might be remnants of a shipwreck due to its size, until one of the team dove down for a closer look and discovered it was an exceptionally big Pavona clavus.