Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is increasingly used as a complementary tool for coral biodiversity assessment, but its performance in subtropical, estuary-influenced reef systems remains insufficiently tested. This study combined seawater eDNA metabarcoding with concurrent underwater visual surveys and historical records to assess reef-building scleractinian corals in the Wanshan Archipelago, Pearl River Estuary. In Ju...

Cryptocaryon irritans, a ciliated protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of marine white spot disease and results in significant economic losses in mariculture. In this study, golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) were challenged with C. irritans at different infection doses (2000, 4000, and 8000 theronts per fish) for 48 h to evaluate histopathological, oxidative stress, immune, and intestinal microbiota responses. Histopat...