Coral bacteria symbiosis?

[ichthyoid]

Below is an on-line reference that I found relating to coral and the bacteria found living in the mucous layer of the coral. Some high points:

-the bacteria tend to be certain varieties and species (cf ?-lol)

-some bacteria appear to be consumed by the corals

-it is possible that the corals rely on these mucosal bacteria for food during bleaching

-there may be evidence to support the idea that loss of the bacteria layer from injury expose the coral to pathogens

*And here is one of the most intriguing-

-some of the bacterial symbionts may produce specific antibiotics which protect the corals from infection by certain other pathogens, including: bacteria, viruses and fungi.

I have previously posted that some of these bacteria require and/or seem to benefit from the addition of organic carbon (vodka/ethanol, vinegar or sugar).

If this sounds like I am building a case for organic carbon dosing, I think that I am, based on what I have read to date.

I encourage everyone to take a look at the on-line reference below and post your thoughts.

 

[ichthyoid]

Also,

-many of these bacteria appear to not be able to be maintained in a laboratory/agar medium platelet. Could this be due to some intrinsic factor(s) only supplied by the corals or other mucous layer organisms?

-there is evidence that this occurs in some sponges, as well

 

[ichthyoid]

Anyone wondering why their corals started spontaneously crashing should read this-IMO.

I try not to throw useless material up here (IMO), and feel this topic is of very compelling interest to many, especially in light of recently documented unexplained coral dieoffs/STN/system crashes/pick your name for it.

It appears to be pathogenic in nature (bacteria/viral/fungal), and there appear to be definite reasons why it occurs. I just wish I had a more recent college level textbook covering this.

If it happens, antibiotic's are known to help, chloramphenicol in particular (no longer available 'over the counter' to the hobby though).

 

[brianjfinn]

Gonna read this later this evening. Looks like a great one. Thanks Ichthyoid!!

 

[ichthyoid]

brianjfinn;453495 wrote: Gonna read this later this evening. Looks like a great one. Thanks Ichthyoid!!

Great Brian! It IS a pretty long read. Just scoll down (or up) and you will find some pretty good stuff (IMO) with references, etc. Because it's an "on-line review", there are ocassional pages missing, but most of it is still there. Hope you enjoy. Let us know what your take on it is.