SYDNEY — Even a small amount of oil can cause coral reef fish, like the colorful damselfish, to make ill-advised and risky decisions, an Australian study has found. The five-week-long study, based in Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef region, was conducted on six species of coral reef fish, including the damselfish that was made famous as Nemo's cousin in the popular animated film "Finding Nemo." Rummer said the low oil concentration used in the study reflects levels already found in many areas near the coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef. While the low concentration of oil was not killing the fish immediately, it was having long-term effects. "Fishes are important to coral ecosystem and if they are making poor decisions, it's not good for the whole ecosystem."

Source: The China Post July 20, 2017 00:00 UTC