Effects if CO2 on Coral Reef Fish Learning

     After doing follow up research on my previous blog, "Coral Reef Acidification", I came across a journal on the effects of CO2 on learning of reef fish. I found this to be very interesting, because previous searches had only showed the effects on coral reefs. I think the effects of CO2 on coral reef environments is something that should be more heavily researched. If the effects on the atmosphere are so negative, the effects on the ocean must be just as bad, considering the ocean absorbs more than half the CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere. 

     The experiment "Effects of Ocean Acidification on Learning in Coral Reef Fishes" provides an explanation for the possible detrimental effects of high CO2 concentrations on the learning abilities of juvenile Damselfish. They tested the effects of elevated CO2 levels on their response to predators, the dotty back, and the Damselfish failed to respond the way they normally do. Even when tested 5 days after CO2 exposure, the damselfish still failed to recognize the dotty back as a predator. The damselfish were exposed to the elevated CO2 levels since birth, so it wouldn't resemble a sudden rise in CO2 exposure. The results of the experiment showed that damselfish exposed to elevated CO2 levels did not responded differently to predator odor. If elevated CO2 levels are currently effecting coral reefs, then they would also be effecting new born fish as well. Although these are short term studies, the results emphasize the need for more studies on the potential long term effects of carbon dioxide on marine ecosystems. 

To the left is an image of an Arabian Dottyback 

Below is an image of a Tufi Damselfish 

References :

       Ferrari MCO, Manassa RP, Dixson DL, Munday PL, McCormick MI, et al. (2012) Effects of Ocean Acidification on Learning in Coral Reef Fishes. PLoS ONE 7(2): e31478. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0031478

      Adams, J (2010). "Tufi damselfish and brilliant cap     clownfish from Papa New Guinea are the latest reef gems revealed by Seasmart". Retrieved from http://reefbuilders.com/2010/06/22/tufi-damselfish-and-brilliant-cap-clownfish-from-papua-new-guinea-are-the-latest-reef-gems-revealed-by-seasmart/

Schultz, H.C. III (2008). "The Dottybacks". Retrieved from http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcs3/