Convict surgeonfish with bleached coral
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Convict surgeonfish with bleached coral
Convict surgeonfish (Acanthurus triostegus) shoaling over bleached coral (white). Coral bleaching occurs when the symbiotic zooxanthellae that inhabit the corals tissues are expelled by the coral. The zooxanthellae are brightly-coloured algae that photosynthesise within the coral, providing it with nutrients. The loss of zooxanthellae is thought to be due to environmental stresses, such as an elevated water temperature, and recent bleaching events have been linked to global warming. Bleached corals die within a few months if conditions do not improve. Convict surgeonfish, or tangs, inhabit reefs throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. Photographed in the Maldives
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6458435
© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bacterium Bleaching Climate Change Coral Reef Damage Damaged Dead Global Warming Indian Ocean Maldives School Schooling Shoal Shoaling Acanthurus Triostegus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the stark reality of coral bleaching, as a school of Convict surgeonfish gracefully swim over a bed of bleached coral. The vibrant colors that once adorned this reef have faded to a ghostly white, symbolizing the devastating impact of environmental stressors on our delicate ecosystems. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae, which are vital for providing nutrients through photosynthesis. This expulsion is often triggered by elevated water temperatures caused by global warming. Without these essential algae, corals become vulnerable and eventually perish if conditions do not improve within months. The Convict surgeonfish, also known as tangs, are native to tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific region and serve as an important indicator species for marine health. Their presence here highlights the interconnectedness between different organisms within an ecosystem. As we gaze upon this image taken in the Maldives' Indian Ocean waters, we are reminded of the urgent need to address climate change and protect our fragile marine environments. It serves as a poignant reminder that actions must be taken to mitigate further damage and preserve these invaluable habitats for future generations. This photograph from Science Photo Library encapsulates both the beauty and fragility of our underwater world while emphasizing how human activities can lead to irreversible consequences if left unchecked.
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