New research shows that ocean acidification, caused by the increased uptake of carbon dioxide at the ocean surface, affects the behavior of coral reef fish larvae, causing them to be attracted to the smell of predators and decreasing their survival. Photo courtesy of Dr Simon Foale, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.

Juvenile reef fish exposed to increased levels of carbon dioxide lose their natural caution and swim further from their coral habitat where they are at greater risk of being attacked by predators. Photo courtesy of Dr Mark McCormick, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.