A research article published in the Journal of Experimental Biology has found that Clownfish can count the number of bars on their congeners and conspecifics, determining their level of aggression toward them, and their host defense. The paper authored by…
Marine Aquarium Trade worth $2.15bn, Study Shows
New research has generated the first global estimate of the number of fish and invertebrates within the Marine Aquarium Trade (MAT), as a way to incentivize industry sustainability and coral reef conservation. According to a new paper published in Science…
Calling all Citizen Scientists: Help Researchers Listen for the Sounds of a Healthy Coral Reef
Researchers are calling for people to listen to underwater recordings to tell if there are healthy coral reefs present there, or not. Scientists have hundreds of hours of audio recordings taken from Marine Protected Areas around the world to monitor…
Cleaner wrasses recognize themselves in the mirror
A research article published in the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences has found that cleaner wrasses, Labroides dimidiatus, have the capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Researchers tested the theory by using mirrors, as Cleaner wrasses attack unfamiliar conspecifics…
Estimates Place Half a TRILLION Corals in the Pacific Ocean
We’ve all heard that coral reefs are at risk of extinction due to a number of factors and exacerbated by climate change and coral bleaching. Aerial views of endless reefs of bleached corals sure does make for a poignant illustration…
Wanted: Coral Nursery Research Intern For Six Senses Laamu Maldives
Coral Nursery Research Intern The Marine Team at Six Senses Laamu Maldives is looking for a coral nursery research intern. This is a six-month position, and candidates must submit their own research proposal to be considered for the position. Deadline…
Crowdfund an experiment examining corals and climate change
If you ever wanted to help be a part of and support a coral research program, now is your chance. A PhD student from Oregon State is currently crowdfunding to support her research on how corals are responding to climate…
Salty Q&A: Can We Do Better for Beginners than Caveat Emptor?
Question I recently had a frustrating experience at a major chain pet store in my area. I watched as the aquarium department salesperson sold a type of butterflyfish that has a very specialized diet to a self-identified newbie, and he…
Reef fish can see more colors than us
We knew the mantis shrimp had super-stellar vision being able to perceive 100,000 colors, but it looks like they aren’t the only ocean denizens that can see more colors than humans. Reef fish can apparently also see more colors than…
Florida reefs are dissolving away faster, earlier than expected
Ocean acidification is much worse than imagined, as the limestone structure that forms the foundation of Florida’s coral reefs are actually dissolving dissolving away sooner than ever expected. According to a new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles, research showed the upper…
