Coral reefs in India

List

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Situated in the Bay of Bengal, exclusively fringing reefs of about 500 islands, most of these islands have a healthy biodiversity.

Gulf of Kutch

Exclusively consists of fringing reefs. The reefs are relatively less developed due to large range of temperature and high salinity. The harbours have less biodiversity. The entire Gulf of Kutch is also known as a marine national park.

Gulf of Mannar

Fringing reefs with a chain of 21 islands from Rameswaram in the north to Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in the south. This part of the gulf forms part of the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve.

Lakshadweep

Exclusively coral atolls with 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited. The islands range from less than 1 km (0.62 mi) to about 9 km (5.6 mi) in length, and do not exceed 2 km (1.2 mi) in width.

Others

Tarkarli in Malwan, Maharashtra is a smaller reef. There are some coral reefs around small inlets in the western part of the Gulf of Khambat. Angria Bank is a coral reef off Vijaydurg in Maharashtra. There is a coral reef in Netrani Island in Karnataka.