A groundbreaking discovery by the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas team has revealed the largest coral colony, measuring an astonishing 112 feet by 105 feet, larger than a blue whale. The announcement was made on November 14, following an October 2024 expedition to the Solomon Islands to study ocean health.

“This discovery revives our sense of awe and amazement about the ocean. “Finding this mega coral is like finding the largest tree on Earth,” Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, said via email.

THE coral The colony, identified as Pavona clavus or scapula coral, is so large it can be seen from space. Its dimensions and vibrant hues of brown, yellow, red, pink and blue make it a marvel of marine biology. Yet it remained hidden for centuries until this recent chance discovery, the report adds.

A chance find

The mega corallocated 42 feet underwater, was discovered just as the team was preparing to move to another part of the Solomon Islands. “It was really a coincidence. “It was found the night before we moved to another section,” Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist, was quoted as saying by the publication.

The coral, approximately 300 years old, is made up of nearly a billion genetically identical coral polyps functioning together as a single organism, the report further said.

“We hope this will inspire more protection of marine habitats in the Solomon Islands,” Timmers said, highlighting the role local communities can play in preserving their underwater ecosystems.

Without diving or snorkeling equipment, many locals thought the coral was just a rock. “There is a Western belief that we have seen all of our (coastal) waters,” Timmers added. “But a lot of people don’t have masks and snorkels to stick their heads in the water and see it.”