Using the core collection of Web of Science TM in the Web of Science database and full-text database of Chinese periodicals as the data sources, this paper quantitatively analyzed the relevant literature on coral reef ecosystem models published before October 2018 locally and internationally. The research status and hot spots in this field were evaluated. The results showed that research on coral reef ecosystem models in internationally began in 1974, and the publication volume of related literature has increased greatly, whereas local research started in 1997, and the volume of published papers increased slowly initially, but increased significantly in the last three years. Using high frequency keyword statistical analysis, it was found that various living organisms and their ecological distribution in coral reefs have been extensively studied internationally, and ecosystem biodiversity is a hot spot in this field. Furthermore, the risk and threat of coral reef ecosystems are concerns, and the ecological community diversity of the ecosystem is a focus of the research in this field. Research on models of stress and rehabilitation has improved in recent years and will be the main trend in this field for some time. The related research in China is limited to the geological environment and wave propagation of coral reefs. The research scope should be broadened and focus should be placed on the diagnosis and restoration of coral reef ecosystem degradation.