It is animal,definitely a plant and certainly a mineral too.It can be said that a colony of animals called polyps which will produce a hard limestone skeleton during their growth for their next generation.
Requirements to grow :
* Sea that is clear ,free of any pollutant not having the depth of more than 30m(98 ft)
* Enough Sunlight
* Temperature must be maintained between 21 degree celsius and 30 degree celsius
* Corals contain algae which essential for their survival
*Sea should be less in nutrients for otherwise algae thrives and coral suffocates
Common types of Coral - Brain Coral,Fan Coral,Dead Man's Finger,Staghorn Coral
Place: Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Mannar
Significance: Mainly it provides the best environment for the all species of fishes to reproduce,Medicinal properties,Natural Barrier for storm, strong waves or currents.
Threats : Global warming-Abnormal Temperature destroys Coral's algae
Pollution -Untreated Sewages,fertilizers,pesticides oil spills matters.
Human Hunt -Over fishing,Destruction of corals.
