The Elkhorn Coral

The elkhorn coral is own of the most important reef structure corals found on the Caribbean. The elkhorn coral is complex with large branches, which create habitats for other species such as snappers, lobsters, parrot fish and other reef fish. The treats that affect the elkhorn coral are the following: Disease, predation, color bleach, storm damage, climate change, etc. The coral disease is known to have an impact of the reefs found in the Caribbean, where the majority of its coral reefs have disappeared because of the disease. There has been recognized about thirty coral diseases.

Back in 2008, there was a conduction about the Elkhorn coral colony. A local research group had discovered that there was a part broken of the Elkhorn colony. The coral surface showed signs of white spots. After a few days, the white spots had increased their size. During the inspection by the local research group, which occurred in July of 2008, a doctor who was part of the research group had collected water, mucus and other sediment samples for identification of the disease. The local research group will be monitoring the disease outbreak as often as possible to document the rapid deterioration of the elkhorn colony. The permit conditions of the disease require to be monitored in six months, one year and two years.

The black band disease is also a disease that affects the Elkhorn coral. This disease is characterized by a complete degradation of the endangered coral tissue. It is known to appear as a black or dark red migrating microbial mat. The two diseases listed are known to be part of the threats to coral reefs.