Fine, M., Roff, G., Ainsworth, T.D., and Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (2006) Phototrophic microendoliths bloom during coral "white syndrome". Coral Reefs, 25 (4). pp. 577-581.

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Abstract

Following rapid lesion progression of white syndrome in tabular Acropora spp., the white bare skeleton gradually changes to green, a result of endolithic algae blooms (primarily Ostreobium spp.). Endolithic algal biomass and chlorophyll concentration were found to be an order of magnitude higher in the green zone compared with healthy appearing parts of each colony. Chl b to Chl a ratio increased from 1:1.6 in the healthy area to 1:2 and 1:3.5 in the white exposed skeleton and green zones, respectively. These observations together with pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry suggest photoacclimation of the endoliths in the green zone. Histopathological microscopy revealed that the endolithic algal filaments penetrate the coral tissue. This study highlights the interaction of endolithic algae with both the skeleton and host tissue. This may have a critical role in the processes that accompany the post-disease state in reef-building corals.

Item ID:	45377
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0722-4028
Keywords:	coral disease, endolithic algae Ostreobium white syndrome
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2016 23:18
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0605 Microbiology > 060504 Microbial Ecology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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