Studies by researchers at the Center of Biological Research of the Northeast (Cibnor) analyzed colonies of Porites and Pocillopora along the Gulf of California and the coast of the Mexican Pacific, where a natural acidification gradient exists.

Through samples of coral up to 22 years of age, changes in extension, density and calcification were visualized through time in the coralline skeleton.

The study demonstrated that the ocean's acidification is affecting the coral's growth but not dramatically, moreover the impact is different between males and females.

"This marine organisms are healthy, for the moment, because of a bigger energetic expense given by a genetic adaptation, however as the acidification levels rise there can be a disturbance in the sexual proportions," warned Balart Páez, head of research.