Behavioural effects of ocean acidification in the tropical reef fish, Amphiprion ocellaris
Van Malder, N. (2007). Behavioural effects of ocean acidification in the tropical reef fish, Amphiprion ocellaris. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent/Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Gent, Brussel. 24 + annexes pp.
Rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), lead to a rise of CO2 concentration in ocean water through a process called ocean acidification. In this study the effects of these higher concentrations were tested on behavioural changes, including coupling formation and olfactory sensing, in a tropical reef fish, Amphiprion ocellaris, for a period of 32 days. Behavioural changes in routine behaviour and boldness, were most apparent as CO2 concentrations increased. Coupling formation seemed to be impaired at a pH of 7.4, though not yet at a pH of 7.8 which is predicted to occur by 2100. No clear differences were found in olfactory sensing between different CO2 concentrations, giving no proof that ocean acidification might impair the olfactory mechanism.
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