Formal/Scientific:
* Colony: This is the most accurate term, as corals live in interconnected colonies of polyps.
* Reef: This refers to a large, interconnected structure formed by many coral colonies.
Informal/Descriptive:
* Garden: This emphasizes the beauty and diversity of corals.
* Forest: This highlights the density and complexity of a coral reef.
* City: This implies the bustling and interconnected nature of a coral community.
Ultimately, the best collective noun will depend on the specific context of your writing or speech.