Artificial light at night causes reproductive failure in clownfish
Emily K Fobert1,2, Karen Burke da Silva2, Stephen E Swearer1,3
11 School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne , Victoria 3010 , Australia.
Biology Letters
|July 11, 2019
Summary
Artificial light at night (ALAN) dramatically impacts clownfish reproduction. Clownfish eggs exposed to ALAN failed to hatch, indicating significant reproductive fitness reduction in this reef fish species.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing globally, impacting ecosystems.
- Research on ALAN's effects on marine environments is limited compared to terrestrial systems.
- Understanding ALAN's impact on marine organisms is crucial for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ALAN on the reproductive fitness of the common clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris).
- To assess ALAN's influence on spawning frequency, fertilization success, and hatching success in clownfish.
Main Methods:
- Clownfish were exposed to controlled light regimes: a 12:12 day-night cycle (control) and a 12:12 day-ALAN cycle (treatment).
- Reproductive parameters including spawning frequency, egg fertilization, and hatching success were monitored.
- Low levels of ALAN were used to simulate realistic environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- ALAN exposure did not affect the frequency of clownfish spawning.
- Fertilization success of clownfish eggs remained unaffected by the presence of ALAN.
- A significant decrease in hatching success was observed, with zero offspring survival in the ALAN treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Artificial light at night poses a significant threat to the reproductive success of benthic-spawning reef fish like the clownfish.
- ALAN can lead to complete reproductive failure by preventing egg hatching.
- Further research is needed to determine the broader population and community-level consequences of ALAN in marine ecosystems.
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