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Dark spot syndrome(DS), also known as dark spots disease, is characterized as being the degeneration or
.Appearance
Dark spot syndrome was first observed on reef systems in Colombia in the early 1990’s. The disease may be identified by purple, brown or black lesions occurring in circular, oval or ring shaped formations. The blemishes may manifest on the coral in several different ways: covering the entire coral surface, spread apart in different sized clusters, bordering the separation between coral skeleton and live tissue[2]. Lesions may gradually widen with prolonged persistence, and may create a slight depression in the coral at the location of the blemish[4]. Dark spot syndrome is the most frequently observed disease in shallow depths ranging between 0-10m[3]. Though documented in deeper waters, dark spot syndrome decreases in occurrence below depths of 12m[4].
Research and survey methods have characterized four types of dark spot syndrome. The first grouping encompasses small, round lesions possessing a diameter less than 1cm. The second grouping contains the larger, round lesions with a diameter greater than 1cm that are typically observed at the edge of the colony. The third type includes crescent shaped lesions that are created by boring polychaetes such as Spirobranchus giganteus. The final group consists of large, round lesions with filamentous algae growing in the center[2].
Etiology
The origin of dark spot syndrome is currently unknown
Because the direct cause of dark spot syndrome is unknown, there is no definitive course of action to treat infected coral colonies. Further research is necessary to discover the initial source of the disease, as well as possible treatment methods. In addition, it would be beneficial to examine possible resistant coral species to try to determine a remedy.
Effects
Coral species affected with dark spot syndrome follow one of two paths: recovery or mortality. The outcome is dependent on disease persistence; the longer a location is exposed, the greater the degree of damage
The disease is capable of altering the
The known long-term effects are degradation of coral holobiont, large-scale mortality of scleractinian corals and loss of
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Voss, J.D. and Richardson, L.L. Coral diseases near Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas: patterns and potential drivers. Dis. Aquat. Org. 2006;69:33-40.
- ^ a b c d e f Borger, J.L. Dark spot syndrome: a scleractinian coral disease or a general stress response? Coral Reefs. 2005;24:139-144.
- ^ a b c d Correa, A.M.S, Brandt, M.E., Smith, T.B., Thornhill, D.J., Baker, A.C. Symbiodinium associations with diseased and healthy scleractinian corals. Coral Reefs. 2009;28:437-448.
- ^ a b c d e f Gochfeld, D.J., Olson, J.B., Slattery, M. Colony versus population variation in susceptibility and resistance to dark spot syndrome in the Caribbean coral Siderastrea siderea. Dis. Aquat. Org. 2006;69:53-65.
- ^ a b Brandt, M.E. and McManus, J.W. Disease incidence is related to bleaching extent in reef-building corals. Ecology. 2009;90(10):2859-2867.