Yes, Corals Can Walk—And Scientists Finally Captured It

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Traveling Coral

Turns out coral like long walks on near the beach, too. Time-lapse videos confirm mushroom corals’ plodding expeditions are intentional.

• Inflate and deflate edges of their bodies to hop

• Similar to jellyfish propulsion

• Average speed = 8.7 inches per day

Mushroom corals venture out from their colonial cousins for more favorable conditions as they age. Their migration was first proposed in the 90s, but today's high-res video capabilities confirmed the biomechanics. Along with a LOT of patience.

Just wait until they discover hitchhiking

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