User:Sophiamarinebio/Porites nodifera

Appearance
Porites nodifera have a hard substrate and grow in column-like structures toward the surface of the water. The surface of each column tends to take on a relatively flat, circular shape and the coral has a fairly smooth surface. Overall, the color of the coral ranges from a dark brown to a light brown. It takes on a similar appearance to Porites harrisoni, which is a popular Porites species that is also found in the Persian Gulf; however, Porites nodifera tend to form columns that are substantially thicker in comparison.

Arabian Yellow Band Disease
Porites nodifera can become infected with a disease known as Arabian Yellow Band Disease, also referred to as AYBD, in their lifetime as it common amongst several coral species in the Persian Gulf. Species who contract AYBD are seen having a yellow band encompassing the coral. This yellow band encroaches on uninfected tissue, thereby killing the healthy tissue. Corals, especially those of the Porites nodifera species, are able to overcome AYBD as it is often seen to halt its manifestation and become inactive prior to infecting the entire coral, allowing the coral to rejuvenate itself by building new skeletons.