Kona Reef Check !
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Diseases of Hawaiian Corals
Corals, like all animals, are susceptible to diseases. Diseases can be caused by infectious (biotic) agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites or by non infectious (abiotic) agents such as temperature changes or poisons. In some regions, diseases have led to severe declines of coral reefs. Disease in a coral can be manifested as tissue loss, discoloration or growth anomalies. However, other processes such as tissue loss due to predation or discoloration from competition with algae or other organisms can also cause these lesions.
Reef Check is now adopting methods to help identify and be an early warning system in coral disease for Hawaii. Below are images taken during reef check dives of disease found in Kona, Hawaii.
Corals, like all animals, are susceptible to diseases. Diseases can be caused by infectious (biotic) agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites or by non infectious (abiotic) agents such as temperature changes or poisons. In some regions, diseases have led to severe declines of coral reefs. Disease in a coral can be manifested as tissue loss, discoloration or growth anomalies. However, other processes such as tissue loss due to predation or discoloration from competition with algae or other organisms can also cause these lesions.
Reef Check is now adopting methods to help identify and be an early warning system in coral disease for Hawaii. Below are images taken during reef check dives of disease found in Kona, Hawaii.
Pictures taken at Manta Ray Bay by Matthew D'Avella April 12th, 2008
Porities Trematodiasis (below)
Description: 3-5 mm distinct, multifocal to coalescing, pink to pale swollen raised nodules, clustered or widely distributed on coral.
Description: 3-5 mm distinct, multifocal to coalescing, pink to pale swollen raised nodules, clustered or widely distributed on coral.
Porities with Growth Anomaly
Description: Variably sized, distinct raised areas of skeletal growth. Tissue overlaying growth anomaly generally paler. Calyx formation appears chaotic or calices enlarged.
Porities with Tissue Loss no Algal Growth (below)
Description: Diffuse area of tissue loss revealing intact skeleton.
With this colony no algal growth is seen, making it easy to see the tissue loss areas of the colony.
Porites with Tissue Loss with Algal Growth (below)
Description: Diffuse areas of tissue loss revealing intact skeleton that may occasionally be covered with turf algae. Usually with a border of discolored (white or pink) tissue or mucus.
Porities lobata with Multi-focal Tissue Loss (below)
Description: Variably sized, distinct multi-focal irregular areas of pale swelling or tissue loss, revealing intact skeleton boarded by a thin band of pale swollen tissue.
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