Steve Lowes began growing coral as a hobby more than a decade ago. In 2002, he finally turned his passion into a business, Reef Encounters, and began selling his babies to aquarium enthusiasts. Now a "professional coral farmer," today Lowes raises more than 50 species of coral, which -- depending on their rarity -- he sells for between $10 and $1,000. Lowes propagates the coral by breaking off millimeter-sized fragments and growing them in tanks. It takes the coral about 6 months to grow about two inches, after which they're ready for sale.

In growing coral, however, Lowes isn't just helping rich people show off fancy aquaria. He's also helping scientists learn more about coral development. According to this AP story, Lowes -- who's a chemist for a pharmaceutical company -- is busy investigating the ways in which corals' anti-fungal compounds might be useful to humans. He's also studying how corals use photosynthesis so he can help develop improved lighting systems.

I imagine that being a "coral farmer" is an exacting, meticulous, and requires the patience of a Buddha. However, the photos of his coral are beautiful, and I'm sure lowes takes great pride in growing them.