 NSF-supported researchers at the University of Florida are examining the effects of stony coral tissue loss disease on fish and reef communities, including coral, algae, and sponges. The disease not only impacts susceptible coral populations, but also Christos coralline algae, the resilient pink crust that is crucial for building reef structure. The gradual erosion of the coral reef framework is expected to have severe long-term impacts on coral reef fishes.