Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed by changes in their environment, such as increased water temperatures, pollution, or changes in sunlight. This stress causes the coral to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissue, which provide corals with food through photosynthesis and are responsible for their vibrant colors.
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The coral is susceptible to starvation.
After bleaching, while the coral may not die immediately, it is at a greater risk of starvation because it relies on the expelled algae for energy. If conditions do not improve and the algae do not return, the coral may ultimately die.