A ichthyologist recorded the average size of reef fish declining from 24 cm to 19.2 cm due to rising ocean temperatures. What is the percentage decrease in average fish size?

["Alembly Discoveries: Ocean Warming Shrinks Reef Fish, Average Size Drops 19.6% From 24 cm to 19.2 cm", "In a recently recorded study by marine ichthyologist Dr. Elena Maias, groundbreaking data reveals a concerning trend in coral reef ecosystems: the average size of reef fish has declined significantly—from 24 centimeters to 19.2 centimeters—among rising ocean temperatures. This shift not only signals stress on reef populations but also points to measurable biological changes with implications for marine biodiversity and fisheries.", "### Given Data:\n- Initial average fish size: 24.0 cm\n- Final average fish size: 19.2 cm", "### Calculating the Percentage Decrease\nTo quantify the drop, experts use the standard percentage decrease formula:\n[\n\ ext{Percentage Decrease} = \left( \frac{\ ext{Initial Size} - \ ext{Final Size}}{\ ext{Initial Size}} \right) \ imes 100\n]\nSubstituting the values:\n[\n\ ext{Percentage Decrease} = \left( \frac{24.0 - 19.2}{24.0} \right) \ imes 100 = \left( \frac{4.8}{24.0} \right) \ imes 100 = 0.2 \ imes 100 = 20%\n]", "### What This Means\nWhile a 20% reduction in average reef fish size may appear moderate at first glance, marine scientists warn that such declines correlate strongly with prolonged exposure to elevated sea temperatures. Smaller body size can impair fish growth, reproduction, and survival rates—potentially weakening reef ecosystem resilience.", "This data reinforces growing evidence that climate-driven ocean warming is reshaping marine life at fundamental biological levels, underscoring the need for urgent climate action to protect vulnerable reef habitats.", "### Key Takeaway\nThe average reef fish size has shrunk by 20%—from 24.0 cm to 19.2 cm—highlighting the tangible impact of rising ocean temperatures on marine biodiversity.", "---", "Understanding these changes helps inform conservation efforts, fisheries management, and climate policy—efforts vital for safeguarding coral reefs and the countless species that depend on them.", "Keywords: ichthyology, reef fish size decline, ocean warming, climate change impact, ichthyologist study, marine biodiversity, coral reef conservation, fish population trends, 20% size reduction."]