
%0 Journal Article
%A Jones, Ross J. 
%A Steven, Andrew L. 
%T Effects of cyanide on corals in relation to cyanide fishing on reefs
%J Marine and Freshwater Research
%D 1997/12/15
%V 48
%N 6
%P 517-522
%K bleaching, zooxanthellae.
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/MF97048
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF97048 
%X Small fragments of the zooxanthellate corals Pocillopora damicornis and Porites lichen were subjected to a range of cyanide concentrations for various times (i.e. to various cyanide doses). Doses encompassed those likely to be experienced by corals as a result of various cyanide fishing practices. Following the highest doses, corals died; after medium doses, they lost their zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) resulting in a discolouration or &#8216;bleaching&#8217;; and after the lowest doses they lost zooxanthellae but not in sufficient numbers to cause noticeable discolouration. Respiratory rates of P. damicornis were inhibited by 10&#8211;90% following exposure to cyanide but recovered to pre-exposure levels within 1&#8211;2 h after transfer to clean sea water. 
