The way nature works sometimes is still a mystery to us. As we know, a number of species of fish get protection in the coral reefs. The favor is returned by giving nutrients, in the form of urine, which are essential for the survival of the corals. How amazing is that?
- A new study shows that coral reefs can’t survive without fish urine.
- Fish release phosphorus into the water when they urinate and that helps reefs to survive.
- Humans should pay more attention to how much they are fishing because they can destroy the coral reef.
According to a new study, which was published in Nature Communications, fish release phosphorus into the water when they urinate. That substance is used by the coral reefs to survive. Unfortunately, fishing has become a very popular activity and now the corals are endangered because of it. With no fishes to take care of it, the coral reef will reduce.
The researchers say that part of the reason coral reefs worked was because animals played a big role in moving nutrients around. Moreover, fishes not only have nutrients, but they are also in charge of recycling them. They found out that reefs where predator fish were found, have healthy levels of nutrients.
The inspiration for the research came from a paper written in 1980. There was showed that coral reefs with fish around grew more than those where fish were absent. So in order to protect the reef, we should take care of the fish. The researchers do not want to stop here. They are working on models that show how many nutrients are in the water and what type we can find. More scientists seem to be interested so it is possible we will find out more about this discovery.
According to a report, a diversity of colourful species is living with coral reefs around the world. They had adapted their appearance and body structure to take refuge in the folds of reefs.
Coral reefs are underwater areas held by calcium carbonate structures made by coral. They are built by colonies of tiny animals, which are found in marine waters that have nutrients. Most reefs grow best in warm, clear, sunny and agitated waters.
Image source: Wikipedia
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