Costa Rica Species
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Coral Reefs
AquaticIn ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow.

Coral Reefs

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Alberto Zuluaga

Detailed Description

Coral reefs are massive biological structures built by colonies of polyps living in symbiosis with zooxanthellae algae. In Costa Rica, these ecosystems are found on both coasts, notably the fringing reef in Cahuita and the coral formations of Caño Island. They are considered the rainforests of the sea due to their amazing biodiversity, providing shelter, food, and breeding sites for 25% of all known marine species. In addition to their biological value, reefs protect coasts from wave erosion and are fundamental to local economies through tourism and responsible artisanal fishing. Their survival depends on clear waters, stable temperatures, and a delicate chemical balance.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.-40 – 0 m
Precipitation (mm/year)Total annual rainfall in millimetres. A key driver of vegetation type — tropical rainforests typically exceed 2 000 mm/year.1,500 – 5,500 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.22 – 29 °C

Basic Identification

Habitat TypeBroad ecological classification: Terrestrial (land-based), Aquatic (water-based), or Mixed (both).Aquatic
Holdridge Life ZoneHoldridge Life Zone System — classifies world climates into discrete zones based on biotemperature, annual precipitation, and humidity. Developed by Leslie Holdridge in 1947.N/A (Marine Ecosystem)
Water TypeFor aquatic habitats: whether the water body is freshwater, marine (saltwater), or brackish (mixture of both).Saltwater

Locations in Costa RicaGeographic regions of Costa Rica where this habitat or species has been documented.

CahuitaCaño IslandGolfo DulceGandoca-ManzanilloCocos Island

Best Season to VisitBest times of year to visit or observe this area at its most biodiverse.

FebruaryMarchAprilSeptemberOctober

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species.

  • Ocean acidification
  • Plastic and microplastic pollution

Climate & EnvironmentTypical weather patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal rainfall affecting this location.

Marine tropical climate. Reefs thrive in warm, crystal-clear waters with temperatures between 22°C and 29°C. They are extremely sensitive to thermal anomalies such as those caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Record Completeness
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