Laboratory experiments have shown that the behaviour of reef fishes can be impaired by the CO2 levels projected to occur in the ocean by the end of this century. Research now shows that reef fishes at natural volcanic CO2 seeps also exhibit behavioural abnormalities, and that behaviour does not acclimate with extended exposure to high CO2. Fish communities are therefore likely to face a serious threat from CO2-induced behavioural abnormalities in the future as ocean acidification becomes widespread.
- Philip L. Munday
- Alistair J. Cheal
- Katharina E. Fabricius
