Question about coloration in tropical species.

[trilinearmipmap]

Here is something I have always wondered about but never had answered for me.

Why are tropical fish and other animals so much more brightly colored than temperate species? (On average, of course there are a few exceptions).

It seems to me that dull colors that help camoflauge an animal would help both in avoiding predators, and sneaking up on your prey. The only reasons I can see for an animal to be brilliantly colored would be to advertise that it is highly poisonous, or to attract a mate, or to mimic another highly venomous creature.

Anyway if someone has an answer to this question I'd appreciate it.

[EmilyB]

I think Eric Borneman talked about that in Seattle, and as usual I can't remember....but I bet Christy or Rich might.

[sumpfinfishe]

Yes Deb I think your right, I seem to remember that Eric mentioned something about the coloration of not just corals but fish too.
However by this point of the meeting I had consumed a few pops and for some strange reason I cannot remember either
So it's all up to Christy or Adam to save the day!