Clownfish Shrink to Adapt Climate Change

Clownfish are changing to live in warm oceans. They are getting smaller to survive the heat. Scientists saw this happen during a hot time near Papa New Guinea.

Heat waves are happening more in the ocean because of climate change. The warm water hurts the homes of clownfish. This makes clownfish change to stay alive in their homes.

Scientists watched many clownfish during a very hot time in 2023. They saw that many fish became smaller because of the heat. One scientist, Morgan Bennett-Smith, was very surprised to see the fish shrinking.

Scientists think clownfish might shrink by using their bones. Being smaller might help them use less energy when it is hot. Some clownfish pairs also shrunk together to help each other live longer.

Other animals, like marine iguanas, also get smaller to handle heat. A scientist named Simon Thorrold thinks this helps fish live in a changing world. Melissa Versteeg said clownfish can grow back when it is not too hot, showing they can change.