Researchers found reduced populations of small, bottom-dwelling fishes like darters and increased sedimentation rates due to dredging alter habitats, leading to regime shifts in fish species. This study highlights the complex effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems in large rivers.
A new 'tree of life' for fishes has been recharted with the help of genetic and physical information, revealing significant changes to existing ideas on fish relationships. The research improves scientists' ability to predict how closely related species might react to environmental factors like climate change.
Dr. Douglas J. Futuyma, a renowned evolutionary biologist, will receive the Joseph Leidy Award for his outstanding research and ability to communicate complex ideas to scientists and students alike. The symposium on biodiversity will explore current and future research on the diversity of life with a focus on evolutionary biology.
An international team of scientists assesses 163 grouper species and finds 20 at risk of extinction, while 22 are Near Threatened. Groupers take years to mature and are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat loss.
Researchers from Harvard University found that shark skin's denticles create a low-pressure zone that enhances propulsion, reducing drag. Swimsuits with similar surface properties have no effect on swim speed.
Researchers used Facebook to accurately crowdsource data on a fish survey in the Cuyuni River. Almost every fish specimen was identified by experts within 24 hours. The successful crowdsourcing project has implications for future scientific studies.
Researchers tracked three shark species and found tiger and thresher sharks can swim directly to targeted locations, suggesting a 'mental map' of the area. The study suggests these animals use magnetic fields as landmarks to navigate.
Researchers discover two new species of pancake batfishes, Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus, and re-describe another, H. aculeatus, in waters affected by the recent oil spill. The discovery highlights the potential loss of undocumented biodiversity.
Researchers propose limiting longline fishing in summer months and areas over 35 nautical miles from land to drastically reduce accidental loggerhead turtle captures. Using fish as bait may also help, but could affect swordfish catches.
Prosta Chakrabarty, an LSU ichthyologist, has landed a major grant to reconstruct the genetic heritage of heroine cichlid fishes. He also discovered two new species of angler fishes native to Louisiana, shedding light on the planet's history and biodiversity.
Dr. Peter Sale, a renowned Canadian-based UN coral reef specialist, received the Pieter Bleeker Award for his major contributions to world knowledge of fish communities, particularly those in coral reefs. He was recognized for his work on reef fish ecology and behavior, shedding light on sustainable management of marine environments.
A new species of catfish, Rhinodoras gallagheri, has been named in honor of Frank Gallagher, a retired Academy of Natural Sciences mailroom supervisor. The Orinoco thicklip catfish was discovered in the Academy's collection and is found in the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia.
Researchers have discovered a new catfish species in the Lacantún river of southern Chiapas state in Mexico, representing the 37th family of catfishes. The discovery highlights the vast knowledge gap in Mesoamerica's biotic legacy and conservation value.
A new family of catfish, Lacantuniidae, has been identified with a unique skeletal structure that sets it apart from other catfish families. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of ancient fish species and their potential connections to dinosaurs.
A recent study found that green sturgeon in Oregon's Rogue River have extremely small home ranges, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and exploitation. The fish can grow up to 19 feet long, but are only protected by regulations for those under five feet.