Mass coral bleaching events are making it harder for some species of reef fish to identify competitors, new research reveals.
Mass coral bleaching events are making it harder for some species of reef fish to identify competitors, new research reveals.
Scientists studying reefs across five Indo-Pacific regions found that the ability of butterfly fish individuals to identify competitor species and respond appropriately was compromised after widespread loss of coral caused by bleaching.
This change means they make poorer decisions that leave them less able to avoid unnecessary fights, using up precious limited energy. The scientists behind the study believe these changes could have implications for species survival as further global warming increases the likelihood of coral loss.
“By recognizing a competitor, individual fish can make decisions about whether to escalate, or retreat from, a contest—conserving valuable energy and avoiding injuries,” said Sally Keith, a senior lecturer in marine biology at Lancaster University and lead author of the study.
Read more at University of Michigan
Image: Chaetodon adiergastos. (Image credit: Sally A. Keith)
