Scientists map 1,000-yr-old coral colony spanning 1.5 km in Indian Ocean

Scientists have mapped a coral colony in Indian Ocean that stretches 1.5 km and is believed to be around 1,000 years old. Located near the Cocos Islands, the rose coral belongs to the genus Pachyseris. Its enormous size is attributed to rows of concentric, plate-like structures. Researchers said fragments can grow down the slope before merging with the main colony.