Nature & Environment
Acid oceans turn 'Finding Nemo' fish deaf
By
T.K. RandallJune 3, 2011 ·
1 comment
Image Credit: CC 2.5 Christian Mehlführer
An increase in ocean acidity is making clownfish deaf and vulnerable to predators.
CO2 absorbed into the ocean's waters is increasing the water's acidity and making new generations of clownfish deaf. Not only does this affect their ability to hear predators, but also their ability to mate and forage for food. Some believe this could threaten their entire existence.
Clownfish, the spectacular tropical species feted in the movie Finding Nemo, appear to lose their hearing in water slightly more acidic than normal. At levels of acidity that may be common by the end of the century, the fish did not respond to the sounds of predators. The oceans are becoming more acidic because they absorb much of the CO2 that humanity puts into the atmosphere.
Source:
BBC News |
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