Consequências comportamentais do aquecimento oceânico em Pomacentridae

Abstract

Climate change, which has been intensifying in recent years, is affecting many areas around the world. The ocean, in particular, is impacted by rising temperatures and acidification, leading to issues such as coral degradation and bleaching. Coral reefs in tropical regions provide habitat for many species, serving as one of the most diverse ecosystems. Among these species, certain Pomacentridae fish play a crucial role in maintaining algae gardens and controlling the population of other fish and invertebrates. Two such fish species, the Damselfish (Stegastes fuscus) and the Clownfish (Amphiprion percula), both belonging to the Pomacentridae family, are the focus of this study. The objective is to assess the effects of water temperature increases on the behavior of these species. The fish were maintained for 15 days at either a controlled temperature (28ºC - 28.5ºC) or an elevated temperature (30ºC - 30.5ºC), and, after, analyzed it in the parameters of anxiety and locomotor parameters. The results showed changes in behavior for both groups of fish. Clownfish exhibited more episodes of immobility and maintained a greater distance from the tank bottom under elevated temperature conditions. In contrast, Damselfish showed more episodes of immobility, greater distance from the bottom, and reduced distance traveled compared to the control group when exposed to higher temperatures. These results suggest that both Damselfish and Clownfish alter their natural behavior when exposed to elevated temperatures, compromising their performance and threatening the crucial roles they play in the reef communities they inhabit. Heat waves and the gradual increase in ocean temperatures are issues that demand immediate and urgent action.