Types
of Coral Disease and their Identification
Dark-Spots
Disease (DSD)
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Lobate star coral (Montastraea annularis) showing signs similar
to that reported for dark-spots disease, but it is unkown whether
it is the same or a related condition. |
This
disease is characterized by circular to irregular dark spots surrounded
by healthy tissue with normal pigmentation, or darkened tissue at
the colony margin. DSD is most commonly observed on massive starlet
coral (Siderastrea siderea) and blushing star coral (Stephanocoenia
intersepta), but is also seen on lobate star coral (Montastraea
annularis and other species).
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In
massive starlet coral (Siderastrea siderea), discolored
areas may be pink, brown, or blue, although colonies with
a blue hue may be showing signs of bleaching.
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Large-cupped
star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) with a condition that
may be similar to dark-spots disease. The area in the center of
the darkened tissue has recently died.
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Blushing
star coral Stephanocoenia intersepta with dark-spots
disease.
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In
some situations the darkened polyps may be slightly depressed
compared to normal tissue, and polyps may be slightly smaller
in size.
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Discolored
tissue slowly expands in size, and the tissue first affected
(at the center of the dark spot) eventually dies.
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Massive starlet coral (Siderastrea siderea) with dark-spots
disease and recent mortality |
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