Chemistry
The Influence of Ocean Acidification on Calcification in Coral Reef Fishes
Quick fact
Unlike corals, which often show reduced calcification under ocean acidification, many fish species (like clownfish) can maintain or even increase otolith calcification, leading to larger but more porous otoliths that may impair hearing and balance.
Why this is interesting
Every coral reef fish carries tiny calcium carbonate crystals in its ear—so what happens when the ocean itself starts to dissolve them?