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DAO 41:211-217 (2000)
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Abstract
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Tumor formation on the coral Montipora informis
Hideyuki Yamashiro1,*, Miwa Yamamoto2, Robert van Woesik2
1Radioisotope Laboratory and
2Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
*E-mail: hyama@eve.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
ABSTRACT: A high incidence of tumors (i.e., abnormal skeletal growth) was observed on Montipora informis Bernard, 1897 (Acroporidae) coral colonies on the shallow reef flat of Sesoko Island, Okinawa, Japan. Tumors were
recognized as slightly hemispherical protuberances and were characterized by fewer numbers of polyps per surface area, fewer zooxanthellae per polyp, and finer skeletal structures than normal. In addition, fecundity was significantly reduced in
tumored areas. Tumor formation appeared localized, stable and non-epidemic. During the summer of 1998, coincident with the global coral bleaching event, tumored tissue suffered higher mortality than normal tissue. The mechanism triggering tumor
formation remains unknown.
KEY WORDS: Coral · Tumors · Abnormal growth · Bleaching · Montipora informis · Reproduction
Published in DAO Vol.
41, No. 3
(2000) on July 14
ISSN: 0177-5103.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2000
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