📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Diego Delso
Science
Tumours Detected in Turbinaria Corals for First Time, Threatening Indian Reefs
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 16 Sep 2026, 01:46 AM
👁 8
Scientists have identified tumour-like growths on Turbinaria corals, a first-time observation that could signal emerging threats to India's reef ecosystems.
Marine researchers have reported the presence of tumour-like lesions on Turbinaria corals, marking the first documented case of such growths on this genus.
The discovery is significant because Turbinaria species are widespread on India's coastal reefs, and disease outbreaks can trigger bleaching, reduce biodiversity, and compromise the livelihoods dependent on healthy reefs.
Experts are calling for immediate monitoring and detailed studies to determine the extent of the infection and its potential impact, urging conservation authorities to incorporate disease surveillance into existing reef management plans.
The discovery is significant because Turbinaria species are widespread on India's coastal reefs, and disease outbreaks can trigger bleaching, reduce biodiversity, and compromise the livelihoods dependent on healthy reefs.
Experts are calling for immediate monitoring and detailed studies to determine the extent of the infection and its potential impact, urging conservation authorities to incorporate disease surveillance into existing reef management plans.