Articles tagged with Fish
A new study by UC Santa Barbara community ecologist Keenan Stears examines how hippos shape the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. The research found that high-density hippo pools with excess nutrients cause dissolved oxygen levels to decline, leading to a decline in fish diversity and abundance.
Researchers found degraded coral reefs are quieter than five years ago, with 40% fewer juvenile fishes attracted compared to healthy reefs. The loss of reef sounds could have devastating consequences for reefs, as fish play critical roles in maintaining their health.
A North Carolina State University study found that two fish species, western blacknose dace and creek chub, evolved different body shapes in response to urbanization. The study showed that the dace became more streamlined, while the chub developed deeper bodies in urban areas. Lab experiments confirmed that genetic differences played a...
Scientists find nearly 80% of coral reefs on Upolu Island have less than 10% cover, with recent coral death and smaller fish populations. Local human activities and climate change exacerbate the issue, while protected areas show signs of effective management.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that a protein called parvalbumin, found in many fish species, can form amyloid structures that bind to and neutralize the 'Parkinson's protein' alpha-synuclein. This could potentially help prevent the formation of harmful amyloids associated with Parkinson's disease, a...
A new study reveals the existence of a unique defensive mechanism in stonefishes, featuring a 'lachrymal saber' that can deploy from their cheeks. Genetic analysis confirms the close relationship among related species, leading to a revised taxonomy and further insights into the evolutionary history of these deadly fish.
Researchers from Swansea University and Deakin University have discovered vast deep-water seagrass meadows in the Great Chagos Bank of the Western Indian Ocean. The study used satellite tracking to locate these habitats, which are critical for storing carbon and supporting fish populations.
Steelhead trout that spawn multiple times have higher lifetime reproductive success, but at the cost of increased mortality and energy expenditure. The study found that single spawners die after reproduction, while repeat spawners save energy for later migrations.
A two-year scientific study by the University of Exeter and Cefas is tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna movements in UK waters to aid conservation efforts. The study aims to improve knowledge on the species' migration patterns, habitat use, and interactions with fisheries.
New research reveals coral bleaching events reduce fish species and community diversity on reefs. The Great Barrier Reef suffered significant losses after a mass bleaching event in 2016, with some fish species declining sharply.
A long-term field study in a Swedish fjord found that herring larvae can survive and thrive in acidified seawater due to increased phytoplankton growth. However, this finding does not necessarily apply to other fish species, which may be negatively affected by ocean acidification.
Researchers have identified a new ocean-life zone, the rariphotic, located between 130-309 meters below the surface, where shallow reef fishes seek refuge from warming waters. The discovery reveals that these fish have double the depth range previously thought to exist.
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution suggests that herring larvae may survive better in a future acidified ocean due to an altered food supply. This unexpected result could have implications for the long-term survival of fish populations.
Researchers found that sustainably managing fisheries can halt declines of seven to 13 bycatch populations, but not eliminate bycatch completely due to other factors. Maximizing fish stocks can increase global fishing yields by up to 15% and associated profits by as much as 80%.
Marine reserves have been shown to improve the growth rate, body size, and reproductive success of fish species. By providing a safe haven for fish to mature and reproduce, these protected areas help replenish depleted stocks and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
Researchers observed cooperative behavior in Neolamprologus obscurus fish, excavating stones to create shelter and increase food abundance. The study found that helpers played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding these shelters, leading to increased prey abundance and improved breeding success.
Researchers have found that a roundnose grenadier fish species can adapt to changing environmental conditions based on its genetic code. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that the fish's genotype varies with depth, allowing it to thrive in vast ocean habitats.
A new study by Michigan State University reveals that conserving mussels is linked to protecting their host fish species. The research found that different mussel varieties are tied to specific fish hosts and prioritize conservation efforts must protect both. This understanding will inform the development of effective conservation stra...
Despite centuries of assumption, a systematic literature review reveals no evidence that water birds transfer fish eggs into isolated bodies of water. The majority of experts surveyed found the theory plausible, but empirical evidence is lacking.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
The Amazon molly fish species has defied extinction predictions by maintaining its all-female population through asexually reproduced offspring. Its unique genetic variability, particularly in immune system genes, contributes to its survival, allowing it to rapidly grow and adapt to environmental changes.
A study by Oregon State University found that hatchery-raised chinook salmon self-sort into surface- and bottom-oriented groups in their tanks, leading to differences in body shape and size. The researchers observed consistent variations from year to year, suggesting genetics plays a role in this behavior.
Paleontologists from University of Alberta discover new species of fish in Colombia with the aid of a curious tourist who spotted a fossil shape in flagstones. The fossil, 90 million years old, is the first 'lizard fish' from Cretaceous period found in tropical South America.
Researchers studied four species of scale-eating fish, finding that each employed distinct strategies to pry scales off prey. The study highlights the diversity of life on Earth and sheds light on the evolution and behavior of these unusual carnivorous grazers.
A recent study led by Harvard University researchers found that coral restoration efforts can have a positive impact on fish communities in the short term and over time. The study showed that even after just one week, significantly more fish and a greater diversity of species were present at experimental coral beds.
Researchers used genetic barcoding to identify and quantify fish larvae in a coral reef ecosystem, revealing species distribution and dispersal patterns. The study solved several mysteries, including the invasion of a puffer fish into the Mediterranean, and provided new insights into the ecology of the reefs.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method to tailor water releases from dams to promote the success of native fish species while controlling invasive non-native species. This approach, known as designer flows, can benefit both humans and freshwater ecosystems in arid regions where water is scarce.
A study led by Leandro Castello explores the link between deforestation and fisheries yields in the Amazon, finding that lakes with intact floodplain forests provide greater fish yields. The research has implications for managing and conserving the Amazon's fisheries and food security of local populations.
A team of scientists from NOAA Fisheries and California agencies recommend modernizing tracking technologies to improve Sacramento River winter-run Chinook management. The new approach aims to enhance water delivery system monitoring, genetic fingerprinting, and real-time tracking to promote fish recovery.
The removal of water from the Colorado River has led to a loss of unique ecological species, which are now at risk of extinction. Hybridization between the native species and those in the surrounding estuaries poses a significant threat to their survival.
A new study finds that variation within species can have significant ecological effects, rivaling those of the entire species. This challenge traditional views on biodiversity and highlights the importance of preserving trait variation within species.
Researchers have clarified the scientific name of the world's heaviest bony fish, identifying it as a 2,300 kilogram Mola alexandrini bump-head sunfish. The species was previously misclassified as Mola mola, but new study reveals its distinct characteristics.
Research reveals that variation within species has significant ecological consequences, often rivaling those of species themselves. The study found that trait differences can affect prey populations and grazing insects, leading to indirect effects on ecosystems.
In cooperatively breeding species, females tend to produce smaller eggs when help with rearing offspring is at hand. This reduction in egg size allows breeding females to conserve energy and increase their chances of survival to the next year or having the next set of offspring sooner.
Research reveals that fish continuously change which neighbor they pay attention to for seamless collective movement, challenging previous assumptions about coordination strategies. This finding has implications for optimizing and automating complex processes like swarms of drones.
A new method combining behavioral analyses with computer modeling revealed that individual fish pay attention to one or two neighbors when the school moves together. This finding has important implications for understanding how schooling fish coordinate their movements and could lead to advances in coordinating artificial systems.
University of Guelph researchers have developed a model that allows fisheries to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks. The model encourages fisheries to reduce short-term harvests to realize higher long-term yields, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
A VIMS study suggests that a common measure of fish health can help gauge the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. The researchers found that annual trends in fish condition were surprisingly consistent among diverse species, with correlations between condition and changes in water quality, food availability, and climatic factors.
A year-long survey of Red Sea fish larvae found varying stock levels through the seasons, with higher abundance at near-shore sites during colder months. The study also identified differences in community structure, with deeper-adapted species prevalent at offshore sites.
A new WCS study found that coral reef fish diversity depends on maintaining fish biomass above a critical level. The researchers analyzed data from 152 reefs and found that about 65% of the reefs had biomass levels above this threshold.
A Kansas State University researcher has documented that American alligators on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are consuming small sharks and stingrays, a widespread interaction previously unreported. The study reveals that alligators seek out freshwater habitats with high salinity to prolong their time in saltwater environments.
In a study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, researchers found that male black-finned goodeid fish prefer females with larger bellies and more vibrant colors. These physical traits were associated with higher reproductive value and increased chances of offspring survival.
The study, published in the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, compiles data on the Clinch dace from 70 stream segments in Tazewell and Russell counties. The fish can serve as an indicator of water quality due to their rarity and sensitivity to environmental changes.
A new study has documented 289 living invertebrate and fish species arriving from Japan on more than 600 pieces of tsunami debris that crossed the Pacific Ocean. The majority of the debris was manmade material contributing to the transoceanic survival and dispersal of coastal species.
A global analysis of 27,000 vertebrate animal species found that those in the Goldilocks zone face a lower risk of extinction than larger or smaller species. The largest and smallest species are disproportionately threatened by human activities such as harvesting and habitat loss.
Parrotfish rotationally harvest their favorite food, creating pockets of space without turf algae that enable tiny coral larvae to settle and grow. This behavior supports coral reef health by reducing the harmful impact of turf algae.
A recent study explores how infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) spreads among juvenile hatchery-raised fish in the Pacific Northwest. Modeling reveals that returning adults and within-hatchery juvenile-to-juvenile transmission are efficient pathways of IHNV spread.
Polypterids, known as living fossils, are repositioned on the fish evolutionary tree, shifting their origin and that of modern ray-finned fishes. The study uses CT scans to analyze fossil skulls and DNA sequences, revealing ancient cousins and specializations that evolved later.
A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.
A new protein database developed by scientists can definitively identify fish species, helping to curb seafood fraud worldwide. The database uses mass spectrometry to create unique 'fingerprints' for 54 fish species, including salmon and tuna.
Researchers have identified three new species of porcupine fish, expanding our understanding of these unique creatures and their role in ancient ocean ecosystems. The discovery sheds light on the impact of the Isthmus of Panama's formation on tropical biodiversity.
Recent damming has drastically reduced the migration opportunities of fish species, leading to lost habitat and river connectivity issues. The lack of pre-1950 data on ecological harm may underestimate the effects of damming.
The loss of stream habitat in the Great Plains region is changing the fish community, with several species declining or disappearing. The reduction of groundwater sources has led to a transformation of the fish community, shifting from large, free-flowing rivers to small streams with isolated habitats.
Research finds that boat noise affects cleaner fish behavior, leading to increased cheating and decreased cleaning efficiency. This study highlights the need to control man-made noise in protected habitats.
Researchers discovered a massive predatory fish species called Birgeria americana in Nevada's Early Triassic fossils, rewriting the history of apex predators. The find shows that marine ecosystems recovered faster than previously thought, and temperature conditions were suitable for life near the equator.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that urban food demand in the Amazon can impact wildlife as far as 1,000 km away from the city. Researchers found a 50% reduction in fish size and catch rate near Manaus due to overfishing by city-based boats, which also led to larger fish being more common and easier to catch further away.
The article highlights the devastating impact of damming and lost connectivity on anadromous forage fish in northeastern ecosystems. The authors report that these fish exist at only a tiny fraction of their previous populations due to habitat loss and fragmented landscapes.
Researchers found a single amino-acid difference between toothed whales and filter-feeding baleen whales that may explain their distinct body shapes. This variation affects the sensitivity of a key receptor, potentially impacting feeding behavior and body size in these species.
A Kansas State University study found that male and female live-bearing fish evolve at different rates, with males influenced by sexual selection. The researchers analyzed 112 species of live-bearing fish and found that the body shape of males evolves faster than females due to the acceleration of speed of evolution in males.
A new DNA tracking tool allows scientists to catalog invasive and native species in water bodies using environmental DNA. The tool, which uses polymerase chain reaction technology, can collect fish habitat data without capturing fish.