Exposure of clownfish larvae to suspended sediment levels found on the Great Barrier Reef: Impacts on gill structure and microbiome

Exposure to suspended sediment levels typical of the Great Barrier Reef significantly thickens clownfish larvae gill epithelium by 56% and alters their gill microbiome, shifting from 'healthy' to pathogenic bacterial communities. This finding suggests that suspended sediments may increase disease susceptibility in larvae, potentially explaining patterns in fish distribution. The study used Australian bentonite to simulate sediment exposure and analyzed both gill morphology and microbiome changes in larvae (Amphiprion percula). These results highlight the need for coastal development to account for the adverse impacts of suspended sediments on fish recruitment and ecosystem health.

Hess, S., Wenger, A. S., Ainsworth, T. D., & Rummer, J. L. (2015). Exposure of clownfish larvae to suspended sediment levels found on the Great Barrier Reef: Impacts on gill structure and microbiome. Scientific Reports, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep10561