What type of water are coral reefs found in?

Coral reefs are primarily found in warm, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical oceans, typically at depths of up to 150 feet (about 46 meters). They thrive in clear, nutrient-poor waters that allow sunlight to penetrate, which is essential for the photosynthetic symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in the coral. Most coral reefs are located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where water temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C).