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National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Home Education Corals Coral Diseases

Black-Band Disease

coral with black band disease — This large brain coral is being attacked by black-band disease. This disease is caused by a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, and manifests itself as an expanding black band over the surface of the coral. This is the only coral disease that can be successfully treated.

Welcome What are corals? What is Zooxanthellae? How do corals grow? How do coral reefs form? Where are corals found? How do corals reproduce? Why are coral reefs important? What are the major threats to corals? - Climate change - Pollution - Diseases - Fishing impacts What are the other threats to corals? Protecting corals - Laws and partnerships Protecting corals - Protected places Restoring corals

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