Subscribe Now! National Geographic Magazine $15
Home
Animals
Daily News
Environment
Games
Green Guide
History
Kids
Maps
Music
Photography
Science & Space
Travel & Cultures
Video
National Geographic Channel
Magazines
National Geographic
Traveler
Adventure
Shop
Subscriptions
TV & Film
Travel With Us
Our Mission
Visit our Online Shops
Books & Atlases
Clothing & Accessories
DVDs
Maps
Catalog Quick Shop

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Sign up

Coral Surface
Photo: Close view of the surface of a coral
WALLPAPER
Shelves of coral surround the Pacific island of Palau. Corals, small organisms related to anemones, secrete calcium carbonate which hardens into an exoskeleton and over time forms reefs.
Photograph by Timothy G. Laman

More Photo Galleries
Photo: Ancient stromatolite reefs still flourish in high-saline Shark Bay

Photo Gallery: Oceans

Photo: School of kelp rockfish in kelp forest

Photo Gallery: Kelp Gardens

Photo: School of needlefish gliding under the surface

Photo Gallery: Ocean Wildlife

Image: See all environment photos and wallpapers

Habitats Topics

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Photo: Glass of water

Take Quiz

Test your water knowledge.

Learn More
Photo: 2009 Winner

Photo Contest

Find out who takes home the Grand Prize!

View Gallery

For Kids! Creature Features
Image: Creature Features logo

Click to learn more about animals and their habitats.

See Photos

Lesson Plan: Using Ocean Maps
Image: Xpeditions logo

Find a variety of geography lesson plans and activities for all age groups.

Find Out More