Bleached corals have been observed to recover within days when they are in physical contact with a healthy neighbouring coral, according to a study reported by Nature.

Rapid Recovery Through Neighbour Contact

The finding highlights that recovery from bleaching may not be solely a slow, individual process. Instead, direct contact with a healthy coral appears to accelerate the restoration of bleached corals, with recovery occurring on a timescale of days.

Implications for Coral Reefs

The research points to the importance of coral proximity and interaction in reef ecosystems. Understanding how healthy corals can support bleached neighbours may inform future assessments of reef resilience, as reported by Nature.