Near-future level of CO2-driven ocean acidification radically affects larval survival and development in the brittlestar Ophiothrix fragilis

Brittlestar larvae died within 8 days after being transferred into acidified seawater (pH 7.9). The larvae had reduced growth and abnormal development and body structure. The brittlestar used in this study, Ophiothrix fragilis, dominates the seabed ecosystem off northwestern Europe, and the findings suggest that ocean acidification could lead to major changes in the ecosystem. (Laboratory study)