Observations on Zooxanthellae Expulsion at Middle Sambo Reef, Florida Keys
Jaap WJ. 1979. Observations on Zooxanthellae Expulsion at Middle Sambo Reef, Florida Keys. Bulletin of Marine Science. 29(3):414-422
Large-scale discoloration of Middle Sambo reef, 7.8 km from Boca Chica Key, Monroe County, Florida, was investigated on September 26, 1973. Discoloration of organisms was generally confined to the reef flat. The hydrozoan coral Millepora complanata displayed greatest discoloration. Some Acropora palmata, Montastraea annularis, and Palythoa sp. colonies were mildly discolored. Corals were still viable. Calm weather, high ambient temperatures, and low tides at midday are believed to have caused water temperature elevation sufficient to produce thermal stress, thereby causing expulsion of endosymbiotic algae, Gymnodinium microadriaticum, with consequent discoloration of cnidarian hosts. Most organisms regained normal color within 6 weeks. Reports of similar coral discoloration incidents are reviewed. Short periods of thermal stress appear to have little lasting effect on shallow reef cnidarian communities.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Jaap, Walter
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Algae, Cnidarian Communities, Discoloration, Gymnodinium microadriaticum, Millepora complanata