Create a Coral Reef
Instructions
Make a coral reef diorama to help others understand these marine creatures and their amazing body forms.
Below you'll find instructions for making:
- diorama box
- brain coral
- sea fan
- sea anemones
- sponge
- other coral reef organisms
Step 1: Making the Diorama Box
What You'll Need
- cardboard box, approximately 2 feet x 1 foot
- blue tissue paper or blue construction paper (or even newspaper painted blue)
- clear tape
- a few pieces of sandpaper OR paper, sand, and glue
- scissors
![coral need](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_need/3132908-1-eng-US/coral_need_full_495.gif 331w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_need/3132908-1-eng-US/coral_need_full_990.gif 331w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_need/3132908-1-eng-US/coral_need_full_1468.gif 331w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_need/3132908-1-eng-US/coral_need_full_1980.gif 331w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_need/3132908-1-eng-US/coral_need_full_2475.gif 331w)
What To Do
WHY THIS SHAPE? The shape of the diorama box is designed to give you the maximum "floor" area for presenting your 3-D scene and it makes it possible for you to hang creatures from the "ceiling" of the box.
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
With help from an adult, use the scissors to cut off one of the pieces of the lid from one of the long sides of the box. Then tape together the two remaining corners.
![Person, with only their arms visible, holds a cardboard box and handles one lid piece of the box.](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img1/3132922-1-eng-US/step1_img1_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img1/3132922-1-eng-US/step1_img1_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img1/3132922-1-eng-US/step1_img1_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img1/3132922-1-eng-US/step1_img1_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img1/3132922-1-eng-US/step1_img1_full_2475.gif 202w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Use the scissors to cut each of the short sides diagonally.
![Person, with only their arms visible, uses scissors to cut diagonally across cardboard box to create diorama shape.](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img2/3132934-1-eng-US/step1_img2_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img2/3132934-1-eng-US/step1_img2_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img2/3132934-1-eng-US/step1_img2_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img2/3132934-1-eng-US/step1_img2_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img2/3132934-1-eng-US/step1_img2_full_2475.gif 202w)
![3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_2475.png 108w)
Use tape to cover the box with blue tissue paper (or blue construction paper). IMPORTANT: Don't put blue tissue paper on the bottom of the diorama — this space will be used to create the sandy seafloor.
![On left, person's two hands putting colorful tissue paper on the back and sides of a diorama box and on right, the diorama covered with tissue paper.](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img3/3132946-1-eng-US/step1_img3_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img3/3132946-1-eng-US/step1_img3_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img3/3132946-1-eng-US/step1_img3_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img3/3132946-1-eng-US/step1_img3_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img3/3132946-1-eng-US/step1_img3_full_2475.gif 394w)
![4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_2475.png 108w)
Tape pieces of sandpaper to the bottom of the diorama. NOTE: As an alternative, you can glue some sand on the bottom — or color a sandy seafloor with markers or crayons.
![A person's two hands visible holding down a cardboard diorama box and taping sandpaper pieces to the bottom of the diorama.](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img4/3132958-1-eng-US/step1_img4_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img4/3132958-1-eng-US/step1_img4_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img4/3132958-1-eng-US/step1_img4_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img4/3132958-1-eng-US/step1_img4_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step1_img4/3132958-1-eng-US/step1_img4_full_2475.gif 202w)
Step 2: Making Brain Coral
What You'll Need
- bag of "radiatore" pasta; it has a ruffled, ridged shape
- ball of modeling clay, Model Magic™, or Play Doh™
- paint, green, yellow, and brown
- brushes
- plastic cup or bowl for paint
- cup of water, for cleaning brush
- newspaper, to put on table before painting
What To Do
GROOVY & WAVY: Corals come in many shapes and sizes. The brain coral gets its name because its shape resembles the grooves and ridges of the human brain.
![step2 realcoral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_realcoral/3135116-1-eng-US/step2_realcoral_full_495.gif 220w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_realcoral/3135116-1-eng-US/step2_realcoral_full_990.gif 220w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_realcoral/3135116-1-eng-US/step2_realcoral_full_1468.gif 220w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_realcoral/3135116-1-eng-US/step2_realcoral_full_1980.gif 220w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_realcoral/3135116-1-eng-US/step2_realcoral_full_2475.gif 220w)
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
Take a grapefruit-size piece of green Play Doh™ or Model Magic™ and make it into a dome shape. Then stick pieces of "radiatore" pasta on the surface. Put the pasta at different angles to imitate the maze-like pattern on brain coral.
![step2 img1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img1/3135092-1-eng-US/step2_img1_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img1/3135092-1-eng-US/step2_img1_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img1/3135092-1-eng-US/step2_img1_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img1/3135092-1-eng-US/step2_img1_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img1/3135092-1-eng-US/step2_img1_full_2475.gif 394w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Put the pasta-covered dough on a piece of newspaper. Paint the pasta pieces olive green. To get an olive-green color, mix green and yellow paint with a little brown or blue. Brain coral get their green color from the algae that live with them.
![step2 img2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img2/3135104-1-eng-US/step2_img2_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img2/3135104-1-eng-US/step2_img2_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img2/3135104-1-eng-US/step2_img2_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img2/3135104-1-eng-US/step2_img2_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step2_img2/3135104-1-eng-US/step2_img2_full_2475.gif 394w)
Step 3: Making a Sea Fan
What You'll Need
- sheet of white (plain) needlepoint canvas (available at crafts stores or large department stores)
- pipe cleaners, thick (fan corals are usually orange, red, yellow, pink or purple)
- pipe cleaners, thin (orange, red, yellow, pink, or purple)
- newspaper, to put on table before painting
- paint, orange, red, yellow, pink, or purple
- plastic cup or bowl for paint
- brushes
What To Do
![step3 realcoral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_realcoral/3135379-1-eng-US/step3_realcoral_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_realcoral/3135379-1-eng-US/step3_realcoral_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_realcoral/3135379-1-eng-US/step3_realcoral_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_realcoral/3135379-1-eng-US/step3_realcoral_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_realcoral/3135379-1-eng-US/step3_realcoral_full_2475.gif 202w)
ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS: Sea fans may look like plants, but they are actually coral, made of many tiny animals that work together. These animals use their little feathery tentacles to catch plankton as it drifts by. Sea fans are filter-feeders that grow perpendicular to a strong current. They're like plankton nets. They don't form part of the hard reef, but grow near it.
I'm going to show you how to make a red sea fan. Its scientific name is Swiftia kofoidi.
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
Use scissors to cut a piece of needlepoint canvas into a tree-like shape (SEE PICTURE). Don't worry about getting the shape exactly like the model in the photo.
![step3 img1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img1/3135331-1-eng-US/step3_img1_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img1/3135331-1-eng-US/step3_img1_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img1/3135331-1-eng-US/step3_img1_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img1/3135331-1-eng-US/step3_img1_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img1/3135331-1-eng-US/step3_img1_full_2475.gif 394w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Lay down newspaper, then paint the needlepoint canvas orange, and let it dry.
![step3 img2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img2/3135343-1-eng-US/step3_img2_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img2/3135343-1-eng-US/step3_img2_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img2/3135343-1-eng-US/step3_img2_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img2/3135343-1-eng-US/step3_img2_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img2/3135343-1-eng-US/step3_img2_full_2475.gif 202w)
![3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_2475.png 108w)
Weave a THICK orange pipe cleaner through the bottom "trunk" of the canvas (SEE PICTURE).
![step3 img3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img3/3135355-1-eng-US/step3_img3_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img3/3135355-1-eng-US/step3_img3_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img3/3135355-1-eng-US/step3_img3_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img3/3135355-1-eng-US/step3_img3_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img3/3135355-1-eng-US/step3_img3_full_2475.gif 202w)
![4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_2475.png 108w)
Using the photo to the right as a model, weave THIN orange pipe cleaners into the needlepoint canvas.
![step3 img4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img4/3135367-1-eng-US/step3_img4_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img4/3135367-1-eng-US/step3_img4_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img4/3135367-1-eng-US/step3_img4_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img4/3135367-1-eng-US/step3_img4_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step3_img4/3135367-1-eng-US/step3_img4_full_2475.gif 394w)
Step 4: Making Sea Anemones
What You'll Need
- a bag of hair curlers (or you can substitute cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls)
- pink or red plastic pom-poms, or red construction paper cut into thin strips, or pink Easter grass
What To Do
![step4 realcoral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_realcoral/3131924-1-eng-US/step4_realcoral_full_495.gif 208w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_realcoral/3131924-1-eng-US/step4_realcoral_full_990.gif 208w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_realcoral/3131924-1-eng-US/step4_realcoral_full_1468.gif 208w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_realcoral/3131924-1-eng-US/step4_realcoral_full_1980.gif 208w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_realcoral/3131924-1-eng-US/step4_realcoral_full_2475.gif 208w)
AN ANEMONE'S ANATOMY (say that three times fast!): Sea anemones are predators that usually attach their column-shaped bodies to coral, the sea floor, or rocks. Their tentacles have poisonous stinging cells (called nematocysts) which help them catch small fish, mussels, and other tiny sea creatures. Sea anemones are usually about 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 centimeters) across.
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
Pull apart the plastic strands that make up the pink pom-pom, then cut them into thin strips.
![step4 img1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img1/3131876-1-eng-US/step4_img1_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img1/3131876-1-eng-US/step4_img1_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img1/3131876-1-eng-US/step4_img1_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img1/3131876-1-eng-US/step4_img1_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img1/3131876-1-eng-US/step4_img1_full_2475.gif 202w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Stuff the pieces of pom-pom into the end of a hair curler.
![step4 img2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img2/3131888-1-eng-US/step4_img2_full_495.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img2/3131888-1-eng-US/step4_img2_full_990.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img2/3131888-1-eng-US/step4_img2_full_1468.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img2/3131888-1-eng-US/step4_img2_full_1980.gif 394w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img2/3131888-1-eng-US/step4_img2_full_2475.gif 394w)
![3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_2475.png 108w)
With scissors, trim the pom-pom threads so they are approximately the same length.
![snipping off pink strings dangling from pink tube](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img3/3131900-1-eng-US/step4_img3_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img3/3131900-1-eng-US/step4_img3_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img3/3131900-1-eng-US/step4_img3_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img3/3131900-1-eng-US/step4_img3_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img3/3131900-1-eng-US/step4_img3_full_2475.gif 202w)
![4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_2475.png 108w)
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have four sea anemones.
![step4 img4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img4/3131912-1-eng-US/step4_img4_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img4/3131912-1-eng-US/step4_img4_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img4/3131912-1-eng-US/step4_img4_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img4/3131912-1-eng-US/step4_img4_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step4_img4/3131912-1-eng-US/step4_img4_full_2475.gif 202w)
Step 5: Making a Finger-shaped Sponge
What You'll Need
- about 6 to 10 tan-colored plastic hair curlers (the kind that have two parts)
- clear tape
- yellow Play DohTM
What To Do
![step5 realcoral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_realcoral/3136601-1-eng-US/step5_realcoral_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_realcoral/3136601-1-eng-US/step5_realcoral_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_realcoral/3136601-1-eng-US/step5_realcoral_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_realcoral/3136601-1-eng-US/step5_realcoral_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_realcoral/3136601-1-eng-US/step5_realcoral_full_2475.gif 202w)
Totally Tubular: A sponge's body is covered with thousands of tiny holes called pores. The water flowing into the pores provides nutrients and oxygen. As the water flows out, it carries out the organism's waste.
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
Remove the outer covering of a hair curler, so that you are left with a tube with holes. Repeat this step for all 6 to 10 hair curlers.
![step5 img1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img1/3136565-1-eng-US/step5_img1_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img1/3136565-1-eng-US/step5_img1_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img1/3136565-1-eng-US/step5_img1_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img1/3136565-1-eng-US/step5_img1_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img1/3136565-1-eng-US/step5_img1_full_2475.gif 202w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Tape two of the hair curler tubes together, so they form a tall column. Then tape on one more hair curler.
![step5 img2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img2/3136577-1-eng-US/step5_img2_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img2/3136577-1-eng-US/step5_img2_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img2/3136577-1-eng-US/step5_img2_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img2/3136577-1-eng-US/step5_img2_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img2/3136577-1-eng-US/step5_img2_full_2475.gif 202w)
![3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_03/2999833-3-eng-US/marinenumber_03_full_2475.png 108w)
Repeat Step 2 with the remaining hair curlers. Make the sponge columns different lengths. (Some corals can be three hair curlers long; some two hair curlers long and so on.)
![4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_04/2999847-3-eng-US/marinenumber_04_full_2475.png 108w)
Stick the curler's into a holder made of Model Magic™ or Play Doh™.
![step5 img4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img4/3136589-1-eng-US/step5_img4_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img4/3136589-1-eng-US/step5_img4_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img4/3136589-1-eng-US/step5_img4_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img4/3136589-1-eng-US/step5_img4_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step5_img4/3136589-1-eng-US/step5_img4_full_2475.gif 202w)
Step 6: Putting it All Together
What To Do
![1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_01/2999807-2-eng-US/marinenumber_01_full_2475.png 108w)
Put the different parts of your coral reef into the diorama box.
![step6 img1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img1/3136703-1-eng-US/step6_img1_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img1/3136703-1-eng-US/step6_img1_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img1/3136703-1-eng-US/step6_img1_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img1/3136703-1-eng-US/step6_img1_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img1/3136703-1-eng-US/step6_img1_full_2475.gif 202w)
![2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_495.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_990.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1468.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_1980.png 108w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/general/marinenumber_02/2999819-3-eng-US/marinenumber_02_full_2475.png 108w)
Congratulations! You did it. Step back and admire your coral reef diorama. Give a friend or family member a personal tour of your reef. Point out the different organisms and explain how they get food, protect themselves, and so on.
![step6 img2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img2/3136691-1-eng-US/step6_img2_full_495.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img2/3136691-1-eng-US/step6_img2_full_990.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img2/3136691-1-eng-US/step6_img2_full_1468.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img2/3136691-1-eng-US/step6_img2_full_1980.gif 202w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/step6_img2/3136691-1-eng-US/step6_img2_full_2475.gif 202w)
Taking Your Diorama to the Next Level
Other Ideas
If you'd like to develop your coral reef diorama even further, first explore pictures of coral reefs by looking at pictures online or in books at your library. Then look at these extra materials listed below for ideas of other materials you can use. Be creative!
- rocks and sand
- pasta of all shapes and sizes
- empty egg cartons
- breakfast cereals (Grape Nuts™, Kix™, flaked-shaped cereals etc.)
- old film containers
- Styrofoam packaging
- bubble wrap
- waffle cones
- candy (licorice, Pop Rocks™, Tootsie Rolls™, and so on)
- toothpicks
- twist ties
- sponges (you can cut these up into shapes)
- muffin wrappers
- toilet paper or paper towel rolls
- nipples for baby's bottle
- yogurt containers
GOOD PLACES TO BROWSE FOR SUPPLY IDEAS: hardware store, supermarkets, around the house
Amy's Extras
Here are just a few of the additional coral reef organisms you might include.
![coral amysextras-1](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-1/3143877-2-eng-US/coral_amysextras-1_full_495.gif 192w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-1/3143877-2-eng-US/coral_amysextras-1_full_990.gif 192w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-1/3143877-2-eng-US/coral_amysextras-1_full_1468.gif 192w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-1/3143877-2-eng-US/coral_amysextras-1_full_1980.gif 192w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-1/3143877-2-eng-US/coral_amysextras-1_full_2475.gif 192w)
![coral amysextras-2](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-2/3143889-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-2_full_495.gif 140w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-2/3143889-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-2_full_990.gif 140w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-2/3143889-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-2_full_1468.gif 140w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-2/3143889-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-2_full_1980.gif 140w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-2/3143889-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-2_full_2475.gif 140w)
![coral amysextras-3](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-3/3143901-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-3_full_495.gif 148w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-3/3143901-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-3_full_990.gif 148w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-3/3143901-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-3_full_1468.gif 148w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-3/3143901-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-3_full_1980.gif 148w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-3/3143901-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-3_full_2475.gif 148w)
![coral amysextras-4](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-4/3143913-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-4_full_495.gif 146w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-4/3143913-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-4_full_990.gif 146w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-4/3143913-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-4_full_1468.gif 146w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-4/3143913-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-4_full_1980.gif 146w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/marine-biology/create-a-coral-reef/coral_amysextras-4/3143913-1-eng-US/coral_amysextras-4_full_2475.gif 146w)
Image Credits:
Photos: Brain coral: courtesy of ReefNews, Jonathan Dowell; Fan coral: courtesy of Paul Janosi; Sea anemone: courtesy of California Academy of Sciences; Sponges: courtesy of REVEL Project, University of Washington; Andros Coral Reef: courtesy of AMNH, Denis Finnin; Supplies, What to Do (all photos); Amy's Extras (all photos): courtesy of AMNH; Illustrations: Sean Murtha