Coralline algae are important contributors to the structure of the reef in those parts of the reef subjected to the greatest forces by waves (such as the reef front facing the open ocean).

• 它们一层一层地加厚珊瑚礁，为珊瑚礁提供了其结构强度。其他珊瑚在珊瑚礁的表面形成树枝似的结构，加大了珊瑚礁的面积。