In
both white-band disease (WBD) and black-band disease (BBD)
there is a distinct band of white, exposed skeleton adjacent
to live tissue. Unlike black-band disease, there is no obvious
mat visible on the surface of affected colonies with WBD. However,
a host of bacteria, fungi and protozoans are often found at
the site of infection. Rod-shaped bacteria in aggregates have
been identified within the coral tissue of some infected colonies,
but these sometimes also occur in corals that appear healthy.
BBD is known to affect most massive, branching and plating corals
with exception of elkhorn and staghorn coral. WBD only affects
elkhorn and staghorn coral.
Related pages:
White-Band
Disease.
Black-Band Disease.
