Articles tagged with Fish
Researchers have discovered how diet influences the composition of intestinal tissue in cichlid fishes, a key aspect of evolutionary diversification. The study found that different diets lead to distinct cellular adaptations, including changes in the number and type of cells involved in nutrient absorption.
A new study reveals that four specific genes are crucial for the Atlantic herring's adaptation to low salinity in the Baltic Sea. The genes, expressed in sperm, eggs, and early embryos, enable the fish to reproduce successfully in brackish water.
Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that psilocybin, a key magic mushroom ingredient, significantly reduces aggressive attack behavior and energetically costly social behaviors in mangrove rivulus fish. The compound selectively dampens escalated social conflict without suppressing lower-energy social display behaviors.
A new study published in Ecosphere found that drones do not disturb whale sharks when flown directly above them. Researchers attached motion-sensing tags to 13 whale sharks and compared their behavior with periods where no drone was flying overhead, revealing no evidence of disturbance.
A year-long study of NYC's East River used environmental DNA to reveal insights into urban wildlife activity, human food consumption and ecosystem health. The findings suggest that urban waterways can become continuous biosensors tracking biodiversity and habitat restoration outcomes.
Researchers found that fish lineages adapted to scrape algae and shellfish from hard surfaces evolved in more diverse ways than those living in open water. Coral reef fish are thought to have benefited from this adaptation, driving the acceleration of diversification.
New research suggests chalk-stream salmon be classified as a sub-species of Atlantic salmon, with potential benefits for targeted conservation. The study found genetic distinctness between chalk streams and nearby rivers, highlighting the importance of protecting these habitats.
Researchers found that gut microbial communities in estuarine fish are driven by functional traits rather than evolutionary history. The study identified three distinct enterotypes associated with dietary habits and migratory behaviors, revealing specific metabolic adaptations tailored to each host's lifestyle.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that cooperative breeding in Lake Tanganyika's lamprologine cichlids first emerged around 4 million years ago. The study reveals a link between cooperative breeding and smaller body sizes, as well as reduced clutch size.
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.
Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Research at University of Eastern Finland found that positively charged polystyrene nanoparticles increase early embryo mortality in European whitefish under stressed conditions. The study suggests that surface charge plays a critical role in toxicity assessment, with negatively charged particles experiencing reduced harmful effects.
A new study reveals that the presence of older fish accelerates bar loss in young tomato anemonefish, a process linked to social hierarchy and environmental adaptability. The researchers suggest this may be an insurance policy against invasion, with younger fish losing their bars as they are accepted into the group.
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
The discovery of mature silver European eels in Cyprus highlights the importance of river fragmentation and local environmental conditions on eel populations. The finding also underscores the need for urgent implementation of Eel Management Plans to conserve this critically endangered species.
A juvenile great white shark was incidentally caught in Spanish waters, raising questions about the species' biology and ecology. The study confirms continued, though sporadic, presence of white sharks in Mediterranean waters.
A study found that brief exposure to benzo[a]pyrene disrupted normal development and skeletal health in fish, with effects persisting across multiple generations. The researchers identified specific metabolic signatures that could serve as early warning indicators of long-term toxicity.
New research from Simon Fraser University finds that Canada is failing to monitor the health of Pacific salmon populations, with 44% lacking sufficient data. The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon face the dual threat of climate change and industrial projects set to be fast-tracked by the federal government.
Researchers at ISTA have found that the zebrafish embryo's geometry is essential for its development, guiding cell division and gene activation. The study's findings could improve IVF embryo assessments by understanding how the embryo interprets its geometry.
A comprehensive survey of the Eastern Tropical Pacific finds that remote Marine Protected Areas support abundant and diverse shark populations, including critically endangered species, whereas coastal areas display alarming declines in predator numbers. The study highlights the importance of strict protection for marine reserves to hel...
A new deep-learning tool can rapidly identify wild and farmed salmon by analyzing fish scales, with 95% accuracy. This technology has the potential to mitigate the ecological impact of escaped farmed salmon on wild populations.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully tracked salmon populations using airborne eDNA, finding that the airborne DNA concentration fluctuated with visual counts reported by the hatchery. The technique links air, water, and fish, providing a valuable tool for population health monitoring and management.
A team of international scientists reconstructed size evolution in ancient sharks using interdisciplinary analysis. The study revealed that modern sharks experimented with enormous body sizes much earlier in their evolutionary history than previously suspected.
A new study finds that floating solar panel systems can have varying effects on aquatic ecosystems depending on the reservoir's depth, circulation dynamics, and fish species. The cooling effect of the water can boost panel efficiency, but increased variability in habitat suitability for aquatic species is also observed.
Scientists have rediscovered a thought to be extinct killifish species, Moema claudiae, in Bolivia, providing a second chance for its conservation. The rediscovery was made in a temporary pond surrounded by farms and has allowed researchers to study the behavior of the species and preserve it in the wild.
Research found that deep-sea pelagic fish exhibit a wider range of body types, while benthic species tend towards elongated, tapered shapes. The study suggests that ocean depth and environmental conditions drive evolutionary changes in fish body shape.
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
Researchers analyzed pollinators and fish for changes in behavior after exposure to plant protection products. Exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides altered nectar processing in honeybees and brood care behavior in zebrafish.
A groundbreaking environmental DNA test developed by Florida International University scientist Diego Cardeñosa can detect traces of elusive hammerhead sharks in water samples. The test reveals fragments of genetic material left behind in the ocean, identifying areas where the sharks have been and informing conservation efforts.
A team of Kyoto University researchers investigated life-history variation in masu salmon to understand their ability to adapt to changing environments. They found that fast-life individuals dominated downstream reaches, while slow-life individuals were more prevalent upstream. However, within-habitat variation was found to be more imp...
A study found that 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by online retailers in the US come from wild populations, primarily in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The reliance on wild capture threatens coral reef ecosystems and puts endangered species at risk of extinction.
Engineers at the University of Utah create a synthetic antifreeze protein inspired by polar fish, demonstrating its effectiveness in inhibiting ice crystal formation without toxicity. The innovation has potential applications in extending shelf life of frozen foods and improving storage of biologics.
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
A new approach combines environmental DNA and visual surveys to track tropical fish migration patterns. This method improves knowledge of ocean species shifts due to climate change, revealing hidden species and enhancing detection rates for both methods.
A new study reveals that dried fish is an overlooked yet vital source of nutrition for millions of people across Africa, particularly for young children and women. The research found that even small portions of dried fish contribute significantly to recommended nutrient intakes for essential minerals like iron and zinc.
A new study by Shedd Aquarium found that at least 24 species of fish have been documented to breed in the Chicago River, showcasing a remarkable comeback for a once severely polluted river. The research also revealed differences between sites, suggesting opportunities to augment spawning habitats for fishes.
Researchers have discovered forehead teeth on spotted ratfish, which are used for mating and challenge traditional conceptions of dental history. The findings provide evidence that these unusual structures are indeed teeth, not denticles, and shed light on the evolution of oral teeth.
Researchers at OIST identified biological processes that support young clownfish adaptation to climate change and warming seas. Exposing juvenile fish to raised water temperatures showed significant changes in liver and pancreas, reducing insulin secretion and increasing oxidative phosphorylation.
Researchers found that paradise fish use a unique strategy called 'alternation' to investigate new areas, engaging working memory and previously thought to be characteristic mainly of mammals. Zebrafish and paradise fish provide complementary opportunities to study brain function.
Genomic analysis reveals amblyopsid species lost vision between 2.25 and 11.3 million years ago, allowing researchers to estimate minimum age of caves. The study provides a unique method for dating underground ecosystems and may hold implications for human eye diseases.
Gloria Arratia's new book explores the fascinating anatomy of catfishes, while also delving into their evolution and genetic relationships. The updated volume incorporates research from understudied areas like Africa and Asia, shedding light on the group's diverse phylogenetic connections.
Researchers have recorded the sliteye shark for the first time on the Great Chagos Bank, highlighting the ecological importance of the archipelago's Marine Protected Area. The discovery provides new insights into deepwater seagrass habitats and their role in supporting marine biodiversity.
Scientists reconstructed the brain, heart, and fins of a 400-million-year-old fish called Norselaspis glacialis. The study found that its acute senses and powerful heart evolved well before jaws and teeth, suggesting a fast-swimming lifestyle was key to evading predators.
Despite using a large genetic dataset, scientists were unable to find a definitive explanation for the formation of distinct great white shark populations in the southern Indo-Pacific Ocean. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that genetic divergence began around 7,000 years ago.
A study by 16 researchers, including those from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, found that genetic differences alone cannot explain how 19 species of hamlet fish diverged. Instead, they identified a single gene involved in color patterns and mate choice, but it did not allow them to reconstruct a family tree for the group.
An international research team has proposed a comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, which are a significant source of environmental contamination. The framework aims to address the impacts of these chemicals on ecosystems and human health worldwide.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
Researchers reanalyzed the coelacanth's skull musculature and found that only 13% of previously identified evolutionary muscle novelties were accurate. The study also identified nine new evolutionary transformations related to feeding and respiration, revealing a more similar anatomy to cartilaginous fish and tetrapods.
A recent genetic study found that populations of the amphidromous goby Luciogobius ryukyuensis are genetically distinguishable, suggesting minimal larval exchange between islands. This highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable habitats in island ecosystems.
Research reveals that warming seas are changing mating routines of critically endangered female angelsharks, prioritizing staying cool over visiting breeding grounds. This mismatch in behavior could have severe consequences for the species' future.
Anemonefish evolved into diverse species due to distinct ecological lifestyles, including swimming efficiency, muscle architecture, and behavior. The study challenges long-held ideas about host specialization, positioning anemonefish as a new model system for studying ecological and evolutionary forces.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research identified two distinct genes that regulate regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish. The discovery may guide future studies on hearing loss and regenerative medicine in mammals, including humans.
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that male guppies with more orange coloration are up to two times more sexually active and perform for females longer periods. The research identifies a genetic link between guppy color and behavior, suggesting healthier and fitter individuals may be more attractive to females.
A new study found that seafloor fish communities are maintaining their uniqueness despite widespread human impacts, with some regions showing increased diversity. The research suggests that conservation efforts should be tailored to each region to be effective.