[Coral-List] Another question about coral disease

[Victor Gomelyuk]

Dear Colleagues,
 
These photos have been taken at Gove/Nhulunbuy area, Arafura sea, the Northern Territory, Australia (GPS reading: S12 04.413; E136 35.976)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/VGomelyuk/white8.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/VGomelyuk/white7.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/VGomelyuk/white5.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/VGomelyuk/white3.jpg
 
White spots and bands on Acropora corals are not related to coral bleaching (quite often affected colonies are located 0.5-1 m deeper than unaffected colonies). Also, spots location and distribution pattern excludes coral bleaching as a cause of these white spots). Predators like Crown-of-thorn starfish  are not found in the area and Drupiella gastropods are rare. 
What is that,  a "white band disease"?
 
Your suggestions are appreciated
 
Regards,
 
 
Victor Gomelyuk
 
 
Dr Victor Gomelyuk
Marine Scientist
Parks & Wildlife Commission
of the Northern Territory
Darwin,  NT,  Australia 0812
tel +61(0)889209281
fax 61(0)889209222