About
Atoll is a free iOS application developed by Frozen Fire Studios, Inc., designed for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts and marine biology hobbyists who want to identify, learn about, and catalog coral species. Acting as a living library of saltwater coral, Atoll lets users browse through a rich collection of coral images and detailed species pages that include both scientific information and practical reef-keeping advice — such as water conditions, lighting, and care requirements necessary to keep each coral healthy. One of Atoll's standout features is its community-driven photo identification system. If a user owns a coral but doesn't know its species, they can submit a photo to the Atoll community for help. Once identified, the submission links directly to the corresponding coral's library page, providing instant access to care guides and species data. Users can also contribute by helping identify corals submitted by others, making the platform collaborative and ever-growing. Atoll is ideal for reef tank hobbyists looking to diversify their collections, new aquarists who need guidance on coral care, and anyone with a passion for marine biology. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 9.0 or later, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple device users. With its blend of educational content, visual browsing, and community engagement, Atoll is an essential companion for anyone maintaining or building a saltwater reef aquarium.
Key Features
- Photo-Based Coral Identification: Submit a photo of an unknown coral and receive identification help from the Atoll community, with results linking directly to the species library page.
- Living Coral Library: Browse an extensive, ever-growing library of saltwater coral species with beautiful imagery and detailed species profiles.
- Scientific & Hobby Care Info: Each coral page includes scientific classification alongside practical reef-keeping data such as water parameters, lighting needs, and tank compatibility.
- Community Identification Network: Help other users identify their corals, contributing to a collaborative knowledge base for reef hobbyists worldwide.
- Discover New Coral for Your Reef Tank: Explore coral species you may not have encountered before to find the perfect additions to your home reef aquarium.
Use Cases
- A reef hobbyist photographs an unknown coral in their tank and submits it to Atoll's community for species identification.
- A new saltwater aquarium owner browses Atoll's coral library to research care requirements before purchasing new coral.
- An experienced reef keeper helps other Atoll users identify submitted coral photos, contributing to the community database.
- A hobbyist uses Atoll to discover visually appealing coral species they haven't kept before and learns about their tank requirements.
- A marine biology student uses Atoll as a reference tool to study coral species names, classifications, and natural habitat conditions.
Pros
- Free to Use: Atoll is available at no cost, making it accessible to hobbyists at any level without a financial commitment.
- Community-Powered Identification: Crowdsourced coral identification leverages real hobbyist expertise, providing accurate and practical species recognition.
- Comprehensive Care Guides: Each species page combines scientific data with actionable reef-keeping advice, helping users maintain healthier tanks.
Cons
- iOS Only: Atoll is currently only available on iOS devices, excluding Android and other platform users.
- Limited to Saltwater Coral: The app focuses exclusively on saltwater coral species and does not cover freshwater plants, fish, or other marine life.
- Community-Dependent Identification: Photo identification relies on community participation, so response times and accuracy may vary based on user activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atoll used for?
Atoll is used to identify saltwater coral species from photos, browse a library of coral species with care information, and get help from a community of reef hobbyists.
Is Atoll free to download?
Yes, Atoll is completely free to download and use on compatible iOS devices.
How does coral identification work in Atoll?
Users can submit a photo of an unidentified coral to the Atoll community. Other users review and help identify the species, and once identified, the submission links to the full library page for that coral.
What devices are compatible with Atoll?
Atoll is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 9.0 or later.
Who developed Atoll?
Atoll was developed by Frozen Fire Studios, Inc. and was first released in February 2016.
