A University of Adelaide study reveals climate change is allowing tropical fish to invade cooler Australian waters.
Tropical fish larvae travel south in the strengthening Eastern Australian Current, warmed by climate change.
Warmer waters allow tropical fish larvae to survive, establishing new populations in temperate ecosystems.
As temperatures continue to rise, tropical fish will grow larger and compete more directly with native fish for food and habitat.
Tropical herbivores may overgraze kelp forests, a vital part of the temperate ecosystem.
Studies suggest tropical generalists, adaptable in diet and habitat, may outcompete specialized temperate fish.
Warming waters could make survival difficult for native temperate fish accustomed to cooler conditions.
The broader ecological impact of these tropical invaders is still being researched.
Ocean warming is a continuous process, accelerating the movement of tropical fish into temperate zones.