We Need Everyone To Pee in the Pool

Reef health has been found to be tied to the amount of fish pee present. However, it’s not just about the quantity of pee, but the quantity of contributors. The more diverse the reef population, the better chance there will be a proper balance of nitrogen and phosphorus.

It shows, specifically, that species richness – the diversity of fish – and the size of fish are the most important factors for maintaining healthy biogeochemical conditions in coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean. Loss of fish diversity – and the nutrients supplied by their excretion – would create less healthy coral reef environments.

This really shouldn’t be surprising. Looking at coral reefs as an ecosystem, it makes sense that they’ve had plenty of time to evolve a state of interdependence with the animals around them, in this case making good use of what their neighbors are… sharing with them.

Source: Fish Pee Helps Keep Coastal Ecosystems Healthy, Thriving by Mick Kulikowski, NC State News