Seascape with bleached and colorful hard corals and fish swimming

Bleached Corals in Crystal-Clear Waters.

This underwater shot shows a vibrant coral reef scene, highlighting a mix of bleached and healthy hard corals. The bleached corals are stark white, a clear sign of stress, while patches of healthy corals remain in shades of yellow, brown, and light pink, indicating some resilience. The coral structures vary in shape, with dome-like formations and branching corals scattered across the ocean floor. In the footage, the ocean surface is visible, allowing sunlight to filter through the water and gently illuminate the coral reef below. Several small fish swim throughout the video, navigating the coral clusters. Some are dark in color, while others appear lighter, darting in various directions as they move in and out of the coral.

Underwater Free Footage of Bleached, Dying Hard Corals with Swimming Fish.

Filmed in ultra-high definition by experienced underwater cinematographers, this free stock footage is available in 4K (2160p) and HD (1080p) resolutions, providing clear visuals of bleached coral ecosystems in vibrant detail. This shot comes in landscape mode (16:9 aspect ratio) for widescreen viewing and vertical mode (9:16 aspect ratio) for smartphone-friendly formats, making it suitable for various uses including social media platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Its versatility and clarity make it an excellent choice for NGOs, environmental campaigns, documentaries, and educational content focusing on coral conservation.

Coral health and color are deeply dependent on a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, which live within the coral tissues. These algae are critical, as they perform photosynthesis to produce oxygen and nutrients that sustain the coral, contributing to its growth and vibrant colors. Zooxanthellae also help remove waste, creating a balanced environment for corals to thrive. However, when stressors like elevated water temperatures, pollution, or increased acidity occur, corals expel these vital algae in a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. This loss strips the coral of its color and, more importantly, its primary energy source. Without zooxanthellae, corals are left vulnerable and susceptible to starvation, often leading to widespread coral death if favorable conditions aren’t restored.