A breed of tropical Australian fish is not coping with rising carbon dioxide levels in the ocean.

A study from scientists at James Cook University shows increased carbon dioxide levels impaired the senses of spiny damselfish, which live in the Great Barrier Reef.

Damselfish in distress: A study has shown that exposure to higher carbon dioxide levels has a negative impact on various aspects of fish behaviour. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Fish exposed to higher carbon dioxide levels - which are expected to increase in the oceans for several decades - showed impaired cognitive function, learning difficulties, slowed visual capacity and altered sense of smell and sound.

But the possibility of fish behaving badly is no laughing matter.