Contrary to previous assumptions that coral-eating fish damage reef structures, the study found that their excrement contains about 100 million living symbionts per fecal area and spread beneficial microorganisms such as pollinating plants like bees throughout the reef.
The researchers hope that the “fecal transplant” could be used to support stressed corals. The team plans to experiment with stressed juvenile and adult corals to examine the role of coral-eating fish in protecting coral reefs.
The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.
Source: Ferra
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