Part 4: What kinds of things harm coral?

Coral rubble, the result of storm damage. (photo: Kip Evans)

Predators, disease, and storms can all kill coral. Fish and invertebrate predators, such as parrotfish, snails, and sea stars, feed on coral and can inflict damage on reefs. Coral diseases, including white and black band disease, can also damage or kill coral. Corals must compete for space with algae, sponges, and other sedentary, benthic (bottom-living) organisms.

Tropical storms can break and bury coral, causing mortality, especially to shallow-water coral colonies. Coral reefs generally recover from damage caused by tropical storms, but in varying time frames.