Invasive rats transform reef fish behavior

Invasive rats transform reef fish behavior

By Lancaster University

Source: eurekalert

1/5/2023

Credit: Dr Rachel Gunn

Scientists have discovered for the first time that invasive rats on tropical islands are affecting the territorial behaviour of fish on surrounding coral reefs.

The new study, led by scientists from Lancaster University in the UK and involving researchers from Lakehead University, Canada, shows that the presence of invasive black rats on tropical islands is causing changes in the territorial behaviour of the jewel damselfish - a herbivorous species of tropical reef fish that ‘farm’ algae in the branches of corals.