white line disease

[JOSHUA Feingold]

Hello Stephanie, 
I have observed this "disease" on Dichocoenia colonies in Key Largo near  
Conch Reef, Florida. The etiology appears different than white band disease  
since the "disease" progresses from the base up the sides, and there is no  
distinctive white band. Also, there is no apparent (obvious to the naked  
eye) organism or community of organisms present on affected colonies -  
there is simply a white region adjacent to live, normal appearing tissue.  
Many researchers are jumping on this research opportunity and you  
should expect to hear a scientific update on this in the near future. 

Incidentally, I did not see any evidence of this "disease" on Dichocoenia  
colonies on the 2nd reef (3-5m depth) off Dania Beach, Florida. Over 100  
colonies were surveyed, and all appeared normal or with slightly paled  
pigment. 

Joshua Feingold 
joshua at polaris.ncs.nova.edu 
Nova Southeastern University 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

On Wed, 6 Sep 1995, Stephanie Bailenson wrote: 

>  
> I got this from a fish-ecology listserv and wanted to know if anyone  
> knew more about it.  Is this new or are they really  
> referring to white band disease? 
>  
> Mahalo, 
> Stephanie Bailenson 
> sbail at zoogate.zoo.hawaii.edu 
>  
>  
> New  Coral  Disease.  On Aug.  28, 1995, an Associate Press release 
> noted reports of a new  "white line disease" killing elliptical star 
> coral in the Florida Keys.  While some scientists speculate  that  a 
> virus  might  be responsible, others are cautious in suggesting what 
> may be promoting this disease.} [Assoc Press] 
>