An undescribed fungal pathogen of reef-forming crustose coralline algae discovered in American Samoa
Littler MM and Littler DS. 1998. An undescribed fungal pathogen of reef-forming crustose coralline algae discovered in American Samoa. Coral Reefs. 17(2):144
Describes previously undescribed fungal pathogen in crustose coralline algae. Does not resemble other marine fungal pathogens or black band; non-glossy, blue-black, matte texture, and striated growth bands so similar to terrestrial lichens. Found throughout all shallow reefs from protected to high energy. Co-occured with CLOD and also attacked the algal ridge former Porolithon onkodes; was more abundant than CLOD. Spreads outwardly by surface hyphal elongation with the host dying once overgrown. No reports exist of it from beyond American Samoa.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Littler, M; Littler, D
- Units
- NPSA , PACN
- Keywords
- Algae, American Samoa, Coral Reefs, crustose coralline algae, Protist Studies, Protista (including algae/fungi)