Not all corals are what they seem!

What may look like one type of coral to the naked eye can actually be several different types—genetically speaking. These are called cryptic lineages and our latest research in Tela Bay is exploring whether our local corals are part of a hidden story unfolding beneath the waves.

A few years ago, scientists discovered that what we once thought was just one species of the Great Star Coral (Montastrea cavernosa) was actually six genetically different groups, all nearly identical in appearance. This was a big deal—because it meant there’s far more diversity on the reef than we realized.

Now, we’re asking: What about Tela?

During our expedition in Tela, marine scientists Alexa Huzar and Daisy Flores from The University of Texas at Austin and Bibi Renssen from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Ocean Science with guidance from coral experts Drs. Mikhail Matz and Dom Gallery studied Great Star Corals  in Tela Bay. Their goal was to find out if these corals belong to one of the six known lineages—or if they might represent an entirely new, unique group found only in Honduras.

Why does this matter?

Understanding coral genetics helps us protect what’s special. If Tela’s corals are unique, that amplifies the need to protect this already rare and valuable reef. It also gives us clues about how these corals have adapted to our bay’s specific conditions—like the murky waters and rich nutrients—and what they need to survive in the future.

Daisy, Alexa, and Bibi also noticed something unusual: the Great Star Corals in Tela are feeding a lot more during the day than what’s normally seen elsewhere in the Caribbean. Could these feeding habits help them survive in tougher conditions?

To answer these questions, they’re not just looking at DNA, but also the different molecules used in metabolism. It’s a cutting-edge way to understand how animals are surviving in today’s changing seas called metabolomics.

Protecting what we don’t yet understand

If our corals are part of a unique genetic group or if they are relying on a more effective metabolism than other corals, we all need to come together to protect that diversity. But first, we have to understand it.

By uncovering how these corals have evolved and how they have responded to their environment, we’ll be better prepared to keep them safe—not just for today, but for generations to come.