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There is a variety of biotic reef types, including [[oyster reef]]s and [[sponge reef]]s, but the most massive and widely distributed are tropical [[coral reef]]s.<ref name="NatGeo" /> Although corals are major contributors to the framework and bulk material comprising a coral reef; the organisms most responsible for reef growth against the constant assault from ocean waves are [[calcareous]] algae, especially, although not entirely, coralline algae.
The preferred substrate for oyster larvae is the shells of oysters so they tend to settle on adult oysters and thereby develop layers building upwards, eventually forming a fairly massive hard stony calcium carbonate structure on which other reef organisms like sponges and seaweeds can grow, and provide a habitat for mobile benthic organisms.<ref name="NatGeo" />
These biotic reef types take on additional names depending upon how the reef lies in relation to the land, if any. Reef types include [[fringing reef]]s, [[barrier reef]]s, and [[atoll]]s. A fringing reef is a reef that is attached to an island. A barrier reef forms a calcareous barrier around an island resulting in a lagoon between the shore and the reef. An atoll is a ring reef with no land present. The reef front (ocean side) is a high energy locale whereas the internal [[lagoon]] will be at a lower energy with fine grained sediments.
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