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The coward of the coral reef
April 01, 2003The broad barred goby is a coward. A sweeping statement you may say, but even though the goby is poisonous to its predators, the cowardly fish still spends almost all its time cowering in an inaccessible coral home 20-30 cm in diameter. A new study, to be presented to the Society for Experimental biology on Wednesday 3rd April, reveals how the fish has adapted to extremely low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia) in order to avoid venturing out from its coral den.
Dr. Göran Nilsson, from the University of Oslo, and colleagues found that the water between the branches of the Acropora genus coral, the home of choice for the goby in question, had very low concentrations of oxygen during calm nights. "This is one of the first times areas of hypoxia have been looked at in coral reefs, levels can even drop as low as 2% " said Dr. Nilsson. "I guess no-one expected to find hypoxia in paradise!"
How can the cowardly fish cope with such low levels? Using closed respirometry, measuring how the fish breathed in a tank that had no fresh oxygenated water flowing into it, the team realised the hardy fish could survive very low levels of oxygen before having to alter its metabolism to cope.
But the goby's commitment to cowardice doesn't end there. "About once a month, the reef experiences a very low tide," Dr. Nilsson explained. "During this time, areas of coral can be out of water for up to four hours at a time."
Even during this exposure the goby refuses to leave the safety of the coral shelter. Dr. Nilsson discovered that the goby still managed 60-70% of its normal oxygen consumption under these conditions, and hence could survive exposure to air for at least 4 hours. "However, the fish does develop an oxygen debt over this time, a bit like when we do physical exercise, which it must redress when the water returns. In effect, being out of water is the equivalent of the fish running a marathon."
The study is one of the first to find hypoxia adaptations in a coral fish with a bony skeleton. As Dr. Nilsson stated, "We known there must be more out there, we just have to find them. We hope to measure oxygen levels over the reef, which will allow us to identify the areas where hypoxia occurs." It seems that, in time, the cowardly goby could help to improve our knowledge of coral reefs.
Society for Experimental Biology
But the goby's commitment to cowardice doesn't end there. "About once a month, the reef experiences a very low tide," Dr. Nilsson explained. "During this time, areas of coral can be out of water for up to four hours at a time."
Even during this exposure the goby refuses to leave the safety of the coral shelter. Dr. Nilsson discovered that the goby still managed 60-70% of its normal oxygen consumption under these conditions, and hence could survive exposure to air for at least 4 hours. "However, the fish does develop an oxygen debt over this time, a bit like when we do physical exercise, which it must redress when the water returns. In effect, being out of water is the equivalent of the fish running a marathon."
The study is one of the first to find hypoxia adaptations in a coral fish with a bony skeleton. As Dr. Nilsson stated, "We known there must be more out there, we just have to find them. We hope to measure oxygen levels over the reef, which will allow us to identify the areas where hypoxia occurs." It seems that, in time, the cowardly goby could help to improve our knowledge of coral reefs.
Society for Experimental Biology
Coral Reef Current Events and Coral Reef News RSSCoral reefs inspire rare consensus -- just save them
One of the first set of studies to examine what tourists and recreation enthusiasts actually think about coral reef ecosystems suggests they are a rare exception to controversies over human use versus environmental conservation - their stunning beauty is so extraordinary that almost everyone wants them protected in perpetuity.
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million per hectare, per year: experts
Experts concluding the global DIVERSITAS biodiversity conference today in Cape Town described preliminary research revealing jaw-dropping dollar values of the "ecosystem services" of biomes like forests and coral reefs - including food, pollution treatment and climate regulation.
Coral bleaching increases chances of coral disease
Mass coral bleaching has devastated coral colonies around the world for almost three decades. Now scientists have found that bleaching can make corals more susceptible to disease and, in turn, coral disease can exacerbate the negative effects of bleaching.
Man-made crises 'outrunning our ability to deal with them,' scientists warn
The world faces a compounding series of crises driven by human activity, which existing governments and institutions are increasingly powerless to cope with, a group of eminent environmental scientists and economists has warned.
Time to tap climate-change-combating potential of the world's ecosystems
Investing in restoration and maintenance of the Earth's multi-trillion dollar ecosystems - from forests and mangroves to wetlands and river basins - can have a key role in countering climate change and climate-proofing vulnerable economies.
NOAA report finds flower garden banks sanctuary reefs among healthiest in Gulf
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is among the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, according to a new NOAA report.
Humans
Mounting evidence that human activity is changing the world's oceans in profound and damaging ways is outlined in a new scientific discussion paper released today.
Overfishing and evolution
Using snorkelers and SCUBA divers is not the best way to monitor fish populations, if we want to know the evolutionary effects of overfishing.
Corals face 'a stormy future'
As global warming whips up more powerful and frequent hurricanes and storms, the world's coral reefs face increased disruption to their ability to breed and recover from damage.
Help for climate-stressed corals
Banning or restricting the use of certain types of fishing gear could help the world's coral reefs and their fish populations survive the onslaughts of climate change according to a study by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and other groups.
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Artificial Coral Reef Aquarium Insert for Saltwater Fish, Marine Fish Only with Live Rock Aquarium, Coral Reef Tank, Freshwater Aquarium. Gorgeous Corals, Non-Toxic, Easy to Clean. Reef Aquarium at Saltwater Fish Only Tank costs. INSTANT REEF R035 by Instant Reef by Archer USA Artificial Coral Reef Aquarium Inserts for Saltwater Fish Aquarium, Marine Fish Only with Live Rock Setup (FOWLR), Coral Reef Aquarium or Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank. Realistic Looking Artificial Coral Reef Aquarium. All Saltwater Fish / Marine Fish are Reef Safe to Artificial Coral Reef Aquarium Inserts. Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Lionfish,Tang / Surgeon Fish, Trigger Fish, Wrasses, Foxface / Rabbitfish, Even Shark! FOWLR (Fish Only with Live Rock) is Perfect for people who like a beautiful saltwater fish tank without worrying about delicate corals in a coral reef aquarium setup. Live rock can be placed behind artificial coral reef aquarium inserts or in sump / refugium for biological filtration. Artificial coral reef inserts also have Porous / Rough surfaces for beneficial bacteria to... |
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