Global warming poses deaf threat to tropical fish

[jpak]

http://environment.newscientist.com/article/dn13417-global-warming-poses-deaf-threat-to-tropical-fish.html

Going deaf is not a problem that most of us would automatically associate with global warming. For coral reef fish, however, hotter seas could pose a real threat.

Young coral reef fish with misshapen ear bones are more likely to get lost and die, and exposure to warmer waters makes the problem worse, according to a study of fish living around Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

After hatching, most reef fish spend a few weeks out in the open ocean before returning to the reef to settle down. And it seems that sound is a key factor in guiding them to the right habitat.

The young fish have to home in on the high-frequency noises made by invertebrates like shrimp and sea urchins, and avoid the low-frequency noises made by crashing waves and adult fish.

<more>

[phantom power]

1. The good news just keeps on coming.

:woohoo:

[hatrack]

2. Wow! You mean, fish didn't have to actually be dissolving for bad things to happen?!?

Who knew?

:eyes: