Tumor formation on the coral Montipora informis

[摘要] 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 wererecognized 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 intumored 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 tumorformation remains unknown.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Coral;Tumors;Abnormal growth;Bleaching;Montipora informis;Reproduction