Coral polyps are small, soft-bodied organisms that form the building blocks of coral reefs. They belong to the class Anthozoa and are closely related to sea anemones and jellyfish. Each polyp has a cylindrical body topped with a mouth surrounded by tentacles, which they use to capture food like plankton and small fish. Coral polyps live in colonies, where many individuals connect to create a larger structure known as a coral colony. They secrete calcium carbonate, which forms a hard skeleton that provides support and protection. This process contributes to the growth of coral reefs, vital ecosystems that support diverse marine life.