Bleached finger corals among colorful coral reefs and fish

The Quiet Shift: Bleached Coral Scenes.

This footage shows bleached finger corals nestled within a lively coral reef. The finger corals, with their stark white appearance, stand out against a diverse backdrop of darker and more vibrant corals, each with distinct shapes and textures. Small tropical fish, including black and white Chromis, dart around the corals, bringing movement to the scene as they navigate the various coral formations. In the foreground of the video shot, the finger corals rest atop taller, pillar-like corals, adding depth and layering to the underwater landscape. 

Free Stock Video of Colorful Small Fish in Bleached Coral Reefs.

Shot in ultra-high-definition 4K and available in HD (1080p), this footage was captured with the best professional cameras and gear to ensure detailed visuals. Provided as free stock footage to raise awareness about coral bleaching, it’s available in landscape (16:9) and vertical (9:16) formats for use on social media platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, as well as widescreen presentations. Its adaptability and quality make it ideal for environmental campaigns, educational content, NGO initiatives, and documentary projects focused on climate science and reef health.

Coral bleaching occurs when sea surface temperatures exceed a reef’s long-term temperature maximum (the Maximum Monthly Mean, or MMM) by approximately 1°C or more for extended periods. The "bleaching threshold" varies depending on the region and the coral species. For example, the Great Barrier Reef typically bleaches when temperatures exceed 28°C, while corals in the northern Red Sea have shown resilience at higher thresholds near 30–32°C due to adaptive traits developed over time. The NOAA Coral Reef Watch uses satellite data to monitor these thresholds globally, providing real-time alerts on coral stress events across different regions. This program has helped predict and track major bleaching events worldwide.