摘要：Thousands of fish of all sizes, shapes, and colors live on reefs. They depend on the reef for food and safety. Shrimp, lobsters, c

Thousands of fish of all sizes, shapes, and colors live on reefs. They depend on the reef for food and safety. Shrimp, lobsters, crabs, and sea stars feed on reefs. The holes in reefs are good places for animals to hide.

成千上万大小、形状和颜色各异的鱼类生活在珊瑚礁上。它们依靠珊瑚礁获取食物和保障安全。虾、龙虾、螃蟹和海星也以珊瑚礁上的生物为食。珊瑚礁上的洞穴是动物藏身的好地方。

Most coral reefs are found near the equator. Most coral reefs are close to shore in warm parts of the world. Corals need certain things to stay healthy. They need algae for food. They must be near the water's surface so the algae can get enough sunlight. Also, both corals and algae need water that is not too warm or cold.

大多数珊瑚礁都位于赤道附近。在全球温暖地区，多数珊瑚礁靠近海岸。珊瑚需要特定条件来保持健康。它们需要藻类作为食物。它们必须靠近水面，以便藻类能获得足够阳光。此外，珊瑚和藻类都需要水温既不过热也不过冷。

There are three kinds of coral reefs. Fringing reefs（岸礁） are close to the shore. Barrier reefs（堡礁） have an area water between the reef and the shore.

珊瑚礁有三种类型。岸礁靠近海岸。堡礁与海岸之间有一片水域相隔。

Atolls, the third type of reef, are shaped like circles. They form

around the edges of a slowly sinking island. After the island sinks, a small body of water called a lagoon（潟湖） forms in the center.

环礁是第三种类型的珊瑚礁，呈圆形。它们围绕着一座逐渐下沉的岛屿边缘形成。岛屿下沉后，在其中心会形成一小片被称为潟湖的水域。

Coral reefs are very fragile. Many things can harm them. People are the biggest cause of harm. People burn huge amounts of coal, oil, and gas to power cars and factories and to heat and cool buildings. Burning coal, oil, and gas is making Earth's air and water warmer. Warmer ocean water causes many problems for coral reefs.

来源：英语·点一点号