The discovery took place during an independent underwater exploration conducted by Manu San Félix, a diver known for his focus on marine biodiversity. Unlike scientific missions that often prioritize technical or infrastructural objectives, San Félix’s aim was simply to observe marine life.
What he found exceeded all assumptions—what first appeared to be a sunken wreck was in fact a massive, thriving coral colony. Reported by El Diario 24, this organism belongs to the species Pavona clavus, a type of stony coral not typically seen in such large-scale formations.
The significance of the discovery lies not only in the structure’s unprecedented size but in its estimated age. Believed to have existed since the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, this coral cluster has survived centuries of oceanic change. Its survival sheds light on evolutionary endurance and ecological adaptability.
Dimensions and Location Confirm Unprecedented Scale
The coral colony measures approximately 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and stands about 5 to 6 meters high. Its size is so remarkable that, as reported by the source, it can be detected by satellites orbiting Earth. The coral lies at a site called Three Sisters, located in the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands, far from typical decompression zones frequented by recreational or commercial divers.
Initially mistaken for a shipwreck, the colony’s irregular, layered structure eventually led to its identification as living coral. The sheer surface area and density of the formation place it in a category of its own.
While coral colonies are common in tropical marine environments, no previously documented structure of this type has reached such dimensions. Marine biologists working alongside San Félix confirmed that the colony is composed entirely of Pavona clavus, a species known for its ability to form extensive reef structures but never before observed at this scale.
It was discovered by underwater videographer Manu San Félix who was aboard a National Geographic ship.
At roughly 34 metres wide, 32 metres long and 6 metres tall, the monster coral is longer than a blue whale and can be seen from space.https://t.co/uPowhZBV4Q pic.twitter.com/T0uHPip6Ux
— Knowledge Zone (@KnowledgeZoneIn) November 30, 2024
Marine Biologists Estimate Centuries-Long Survival
According to marine researchers cited in El Diario 24, the coral colony is believed to be between 300 and 500 years old, having withstood countless shifts in marine conditions. That estimate places its origin somewhere between the early 1500s and the late 1700s, a time span that includes the era of major global exploration and imperial expansion.
Throughout its long existence, the coral has likely endured multiple bleaching events, oceanic warming phases, and sedimentation shifts—all of which pose serious threats to coral health. Researchers suspect that this colony may have developed special adaptations or genetic mutations allowing it to survive while other coral systems in similar regions have degraded or disappeared entirely. These observations are still under investigation, but the organism’s resilience is already prompting discussions about what can be learned from its longevity.
By analyzing samples from the colony’s structure and genetic makeup, marine scientists hope to identify traits that could inform conservation strategies. This discovery provides a living timeline of environmental change that could serve as a reference for understanding coral ecosystem dynamics over long periods.
Ecological Pressures Threaten Similar Ecosystems
The survival of this unique coral colony is all the more notable when compared with the deterioration of similar marine systems globally. According to the same source, climate change remains the leading factor behind coral reef degradation. Rising ocean temperatures contribute to widespread coral bleaching, where symbiotic algae are expelled, weakening the coral and often leading to its death.
In addition to natural stressors, human activity also plays a role. The testing of deep-sea equipment—such as submersibles, sonar mapping tools, or undersea construction gear—can damage fragile reef environments. Although technological advancement is essential for further exploration, researchers acknowledge that these practices often result in unintended ecological costs.