Page 10 - Coral Reefs

Christmas Tree Worm
Spirobranchus giganteus Coral Reefs Rainforests of the Oceans

India‘s Coral Reefs
Necklace of diversity

With just 1% of world’s coral
reef area in its territory, all
major reef types can be found

in Indian waters. India has 5790 Gulf of
km of coral reefs. About 25% of Kachchh
2
all reef forming shallow water
corals are found here.

Coral Reefs in India Arabian Sea
Geographical Distribution

Along the mainland coast of India, coral Malvan Coast
reefs are primarily found in the Gulf of
Kachchh in the North-West and the Gulf
of Mannar in the South-East. Patches Netrani Island
of reefs are also found off the Malvan and Gaveshani
Coast (Maharashtra), Netrani Island and Bank
Gaveshani Bank, off the Mangalore Coast
(Karnataka). Cherbaniani
Lakshadwee Islands Kavaratti
Reef

Photo : Deepak Apte Gulf of Mannar

Minicoy

Andaman & Nicobar Islands and
Lakshadweep archipelago have
extensive reefs that are relatively
untouched and pristine.
A vivid view of Coral Reefs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Useful Weblinks
envfor.nic.in | drs.nio.org
10