Examples of how different coral species have been affected by SCTLD which developed rapidly at Vauxhall in early 2023.
Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus)
 Jan 11, 2023 |
 Feb 24, 2024 |
Pillar Coral on Vauxhall Reef, Seaward Slope zone. This and other specimens on Vauxahll Reef remained free of SCTLD when last observed in 2023, circa Apr 3. However, diseased Pillar Coral was observed nearby in late 2023. On Feb 24, 2024, the specimen was mostly dead but there were living tops on several branches. View Rapid Population Decline of the Pillar Coral Dendrogyra cylindrus Along the Florida Reef Tract by KL Neely et al., 2021 in Front. Mar. Sci. for info on how it has responded to SCTLD and coral bleaching elsewhere. From that article: “The pillar coral Dendrogyra cylindrus is a conspicuous stony coral described as uncommon or rare in reef environments throughout the Caribbean (Szmant, 1986). It is taxonomically unique as the only member of its genus, structurally unique as the only Caribbean columnar coral, and behaviorally unique as a species whose polyps are extended during light as well as dark hours. Dendrogyra cylindrus is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List”
Mre examples to be added.