Distressed damsels stress coral reefs

Threespot damselfish (Stegastes planifrons) in the Caribbean Sea. (Credit: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR / Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library)

ScienceDaily (2010-05-26) -- Damselfish are killing head corals and adding stress to Caribbean coral reefs, which are already in desperately poor condition from global climate change, coral diseases, hurricanes, pollution, and overfishing. Restoring threatened staghorn coral, the damsels' favorite homestead, will take the pressure off the other corals, according to a new study.