Potato Patch discovered near Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep

Researchers have documented what could be the largest known living coral colony in the world near Kadmat Island in the Lakshadweep Archipelago.

• The coral colony, locally known as the “Potato Patch”, covers an estimated 4,250 square metres (0.43 hectares or 1.05 acres).
• This is roughly equivalent to half the size of an international football pitch.
• The discovery was made during a marine biodiversity survey led by Habeebu Rahman of the Research and Environmental Education Foundation.

About the Coral Colony 

• The colony belongs to the species Pavona clavus.
• It is a hard (stony) coral that forms extensive reef structures over long periods.
• Located in the south-eastern waters of Kadmat Island.
• The continuous coral formation begins on the reef flat at a depth of about 5.2 metres.
• It extends down a steep reef slope to nearly 20 metres depth.
• The structure resembles a vast underwater meadow, forming a single continuous colony.

Source: DTE