On the chart, it was marked as a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean near the Solomon Islands, but when scientists and filmmakers from the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas took a closer look, they were shocked to find the world’s largest-ever recorded coral. The mega coral is a collection of many tiny connected creatures that together form one organism rather than a coral reef.

As reported by the BBC, the coral measures 34m wide, 32m long and 5.5m high – which is bigger than a blue whale. The coral is estimated to be at 300-years-old.

The coral was found in deeper waters than some coral reefs which scientists think might be why it is in good health.

Eric Brown, a coral scientist on the National Geographic research trip, said:

“While the nearby shallow reefs were degraded due to warmer seas, witnessing this large healthy coral oasis in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope.”

The large coral is a species called Pavona clavus and is home to shrimp, crabs, fish and other marine creatures.

World’s largest coral found in the Pacific

Thanks to Alaric Bond and David Rye for contributing to this post.