Another asexual method of reproduction occurs when a polyp that is produced sexually initiates the growth of a colony through budding. The growth of a colony depends on such factors as sunlight and water temperature. Reefs also tend to thrive in clear water because it allows more sunlight to reach the corals. Reefs also tend to develop in areas of strong wave action. Waves carry food, nutrients, and oxygen to the reef.
Waves also aid in distributing coral larvae and prevent sediment from settling on the reef.
Precipitation is also necessary for the coral. Precipitation of calcium from the water forms the coral s skeleton. This occurs where the water temperature and salinity are high and carbon dioxide concentration is low. The reason it is important to understand the habitat conditions of the coral is because of the algae living within the coral s tissue. The algae are called zooxanthallae.