The Wondrous World of the Imperiled Coral Reefs

Disease plays a role as well, with whole coral colonies wiped out by sudden sickness, which is linked to warmer sea temperatures caused by climate change. Purple fairy anthias and orange anthias pass through a reef off Viti Levu, Fiji.
Stuart Westmorland / Corbis

Wow Factor
Disease plays a role as well, with whole coral colonies wiped out by sudden sickness, which is linked to warmer sea temperatures caused by climate change. Purple fairy Anthias and Orange Anthias pass through a reef off Viti Levu, Fiji.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.