Maldives

A large goniopora

𝗔 𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝙂𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗞𝗼𝗱𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘂, 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

A very large 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢 was located in the lagoon of the resort in the Maldives. The colony was measured by the team of marine biologists and was recorded to have a perimeter of 94 meters and a length of 28 meters. During surveys, a Hawksbill Turtle was observed around the colony using the soft polyps of the 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢 sp. as a resting spot. Kudos to Chiara Fumagalli, Andrea Omati, and Marco Fornaciari for their efforts in reporting giant corals to Map the Giants. How many wonderful surprises the Maldivian reefs are offering us!

A giant Goniopora in 360°

Giant Goniopora from Faafu AtollTechnology is an incredible tool to communicate science and reach a wide audience. During a short expedition in the Maldives, in Faafu Atoll where MaRHE Center is located, the Map the Giants team located a few giants. Amongst these, a giant Goniopora sp. measuring almost 30m in perimeter and 4 in height.

This 360°video, allows us to virtually dive on the giant!

A giant Goniopora

A large 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢 sp. from Baa Atoll thanks to Coco Cares and the marine team at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu . The colony, columnar in growth form, extends for 6.9m in its longest side. In the photo, marine intern @bea_crostella_bea is freediving next to this giant.