Enlarged skeletal elements ()

Acropora humilis with a mass of distorted and enlarged polyps attached between several branches. Polyps are lighter than normal but still contain symbiotic algae
Photo: Andrew Bruckner

Enlarged skeletal elements identification

Colonies exhibit focal or multifocal, circular to irregularly shaped lesions consisting of abnormally arranged skeletal elements (calices, ridges, valleys), which are larger than those of the adjacent colony surface. The tissue usually appears intact, with normal pigmentation, although it may be slightly darker or lighter. They can develop anywhere on the colony and may reach sizes of 20 cm or larger.

Enlarged skeletal elements and monitoring effort over time