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 have found that the ability of butterflyfish 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.
The findings are outlined in the paper "Rapid resource depletion on coral reefs disrupts competitor recognition processes among butterfly species," which has been published by the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Dr. Sally Keith, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at Lancaster University and lead author of the study, said, "By recognizing a competitor, individual fish can make decisions about whether to escalate, or retreat from, a contest—conserving valuable energy and avoiding injuries.
Reef fish must relearn the 'rules of engagement' after coral bleaching
Scientists studying reefs across five Indo-Pacific regions have found that the ability of butterflyfish 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.
The findings are outlined in the paper "Rapid resource depletion on coral reefs disrupts competitor recognition processes among butterfly species," which has been published by the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Dr. Sally Keith, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at Lancaster University and lead author of the study, said, "By recognizing a competitor, individual fish can make decisions about whether to escalate, or retreat from, a contest—conserving valuable energy and avoiding injuries.
Reef fish must relearn the 'rules of engagement' after coral bleaching