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Considered a jewel of the Caribbean, this reef stretches along the east coast of Central America for over 450 miles (724 kilometers) and is one of the world's largest. It includes three large, sunken islands covered with coral reefs.
These reefs support nearly 60 species of coral, 350 mollusks, and 500 fish species. It's also home to hawksbill sea turtles, crocodiles, lemon sharks, and Central America's largest population of manatees.
Photograph of
spiny lobster by
Amos Nachoum/Corbis
© 2003 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.