Seasonal Variations in the Culturable Mycobiome of Acropora loripes along a Depth Gradient
Coral associated fungi are widespread, highly diverse and are part and parcel of the coral holobiont. To study how environmental conditions prevailing near the coral-host may affect fungal diversity, the culturable (isolated on potato dextrose agar) mycobiome ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Here is an interesting study in regards to the fungi community of the Acropora holobiont. With increasing depth in the Red Sea, there appeared to be a higher rate of fungal diversity within the Acropora loripes colonies studied. Increased fungal load and diversity appeared to be related to more coral lesions and poorer health of the coral. The study eludes to increased nutrients and/or lower light levels possibly being the causative agent in the proliferation of the fungi.
With all of the discussion about keeping SPS in lower PAR values and increased nutrients I thought this might be something interesting to discuss.
