Articles tagged with Fish
Scientists have successfully tracked fish migration by analyzing DNA in seawater, revealing the presence or absence of several key species. This new technique allows for cheap and non-invasive sampling, potentially improving our understanding of environmental impact on local fish populations.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that the shape and mechanics of fish fins evolve in parallel with the sensory system, tuned to swimming behavior. The researchers mapped fin shape on an evolutionary tree to determine how the mechanical properties and nervous systems of the fins evolved over time.
Researchers have discovered Europe's first cave fish, a loach species, in a hard-to-reach underground water system in Southern Germany. The discovery reveals that adaptation to subterranean habitats can occur rapidly, with the loach evolving within just a few thousand years.
A USGS and Michigan State University study discovered that slower sea lamprey growth rates during the larval phase increase the odds of becoming male. In productive environments, only 56% of sea lampreys were male after three years, whereas in unproductive lakes, 78% became male.
A new 'super sponge' created by University of Minnesota researchers can absorb mercury from water within seconds, removing it to below detectable limits. The technology has the potential to reduce mercury contamination in lakes, industrial wastewater, and tap water, with economic benefits estimated at $212 million annually.
New research shows fish can evolve to avoid fishing nets by staying within protected areas, increasing population size. Marine reserves effective in preventing extinction and protecting biodiversity for some species.
A new study confirms that sharks arose from a group of bony fishes called acanthodians, using an extraordinarily well-preserved fossil of an ancient sharklike fish. The research identifies the fossil as an important transitional species pointing to sharks as acanthodians' living descendants.
A new species of ancient fish from southern China has been discovered, exhibiting unique 'shield scale' characteristics. This finding suggests that jawed vertebrates may have evolved earlier than previously thought, with possible implications for our understanding of their origins.
Researchers found that up to 90% of predatory fish are gone from Caribbean coral reefs, straining the ecosystem and coastal economy. Protected supersites could support large numbers of predator fishes, potentially boosting the economy through tourism.
A newly described species of mini eyeless catfish, Micromyzon orinoco, has been officially named after being caught in the Orinoco River. The tiny fish, less than an inch long, was discovered by Drexel University scientists who compared existing species and collaborated with international experts.
A recent study by Dr. Kirk Winemiller and his Brazilian colleagues analyzed a long-term database of fish survey statistics and hydrology in the central Amazon. The research reveals that climate change is causing alterations in regional precipitation, affecting water quantity and quality and leading to changes in fish species populations.
A new study suggests that consuming fish and seafood with higher levels of mercury may increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found that individuals who ate fish and seafood regularly were at double the risk for ALS compared to those with lower mercury intake.
A genomic study in the lower Congo River finds that fishes are evolving into distinct species due to the intense hydraulics of the river's rapids and deep canyons. The researchers discovered that fishes living less than a mile away from their relatives are exchanging few genes, indicating strong genetic separation.
Forage fish stocks, such as Pacific sardine and northern anchovy, have experienced boom-bust cycles for centuries, with fluctuations common in the past 500 years. The study found that these species were in collapsed condition 29-40% of the time from A.D. 1000 to 1500.
The flashlight fish uses its bioluminescent light organs to detect prey in the dark, adjusting flash frequency to the context. Researchers also found that the fish blink at a high rate during feeding and are regulated by lighting conditions.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher discovered that the Cuatro Ciénegas cichlid, a rare fish species, employs a unique sneaking behavior to fertilize eggs, outpacing dominant males. This unusual strategy is found in only a few dozen of approximately 34,000 fish species worldwide.
The study found a significant decline in gull populations on the Scottish island of Canna due to reduced fish landings in nearby harbour Mallaig. The population declined from an estimated 1,525 breeding pairs in 1988 to just 130 pairs in recent years.
A new study suggests that China's success in sustaining large catches is due to reducing predatory fish populations, allowing preyed-upon species to increase. This approach can lead to increased harvests, but may also have negative impacts on biodiversity.
Researchers found that well-diversified fishing communities in Alaska experienced little change in revenue despite fluctuations in fish abundance and market prices. Communities with high diversity were able to shift to different fisheries, increasing their revenue streams.
Scientists found that top-level predator fish like Snapper and Grouper are easily overfished in heavily-fished areas, altering the food chain. In contrast, lightly fished coral reefs support a rapidly passing energy flow from bottom to top of the food web.
A 280 million-year-old fossilized skull reveals the origin of chimaeras, a group of cartilaginous fish related to sharks. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the evolutionary history of these deep-water dwelling fish.
A groundbreaking study has shown that baby reef fish possess an internal magnetic 'compass' that enables them to swim towards their home reef at night. The researchers, led by Professor Mike Kingsford, found that the tiny Cardinal fish can use their magnetic senses to orient themselves in total darkness.
Researchers found that the largest-brained species of electric fish have the highest demand for oxygen, while the smallest-brained species have the lowest. This suggests that large brains can only evolve if constraints on energy intake are lifted or alternative solutions are found to accommodate the increased energy demands.
Researchers found that clownfish can change hormone levels to become female and restore balance after the death of a female. The team identified key molecular pathways involved in this process, including aromatase, which is linked to estrogen production.
A study led by Colorado State University found that outdoor recreation in protected areas leads to negative effects on wildlife, including decreased species diversity and survival rates. However, some studies suggest positive effects on certain species, such as birds and rodents, with increased abundance and reduced stress.
Bacteria play a crucial role in determining the health of birds at the top of the food web. Seabirds feeding in areas rich in sulfate-reducing bacteria have high levels of mercury. This study suggests that bacteria provide a buffer to variation in mercury within the environment.
Researchers found Atlantic killifish adapting to toxic pollutants due to high genetic variation, making them more resilient than other species. This study suggests that genetic diversity is key to evolutionary adaptation and could inform strategies for human sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
Atlantic killifish have evolved remarkable resilience to toxic industrial pollutants, with genetic diversity playing a key role in their adaptation. The study's findings could help explain how genetic differences among humans contribute to varying sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
Researchers have developed a new model to predict the survival of fish embryos in high temperatures, taking into account the relationship between egg size and water flow. The study found that larger eggs require more oxygen and can survive in slower-flowing waters, but this relationship is not always consistent with laboratory results.
A new study by Lauren Sallan reveals that the tails of fish and tetrapods are distinct structures with different evolutionary histories. Fossilized fish hatchlings show a dual tail structure consisting of a scaly, fleshy tail and a flexible fin.
Researchers analyzed feeding behaviors of 15 common species of algae-eating fish to understand their role in maintaining coral reef health. The study found that individual species selectively graze on different types of algae and in varying ways.
Researchers found that Senegalese sole cope with stress by their personality and can identify fish at a young age to improve reproduction in captivity. The study used operational behavioural screening tests to measure stress response and identified proactive and curious fish as more likely to reproduce.
Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that climate change disrupts fish sensory systems, including smell, hearing, and vision. Fish may swim towards predator smells or ignore sounds that deter them from risky habitats.
A set of all-female hybrid greenling fish has boosted its long-term survivability by switching from one mating species to another. This 'host switch' occurred approximately 2,000 to 20,000 years ago and is thought to be a reason for the hybrids' extended survival.
A new species of ancient armored fish, Bothriolepis rex, was discovered by a team of scientists from Drexel University and other institutions. The fish is estimated to be around 5.5 feet long, making it the largest known member of the Antiarchi group, which dates back to the Devonian Period.
A new analysis of over a thousand fossil fishes reveals that holosteans were as evolutionarily innovative as teleosts, and perhaps even more so. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania's John Clarke, challenges the traditional view of teleosts' success story.
A rare fossil site in Belgium reveals that ancient placoderms, extinct armored fish, used a common nursery for juvenile development. The site's immature fossils show slow-moving and shallow water conditions ideal for young fish growth.
A new study reports that Greenland sharks live at least 272 years and reach sexual maturity at 156 years old. The species now holds the record for the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth.
A new USGS study identifies specific steps to manage climate refugia for plants, animals, and fishes. These 'refugia' are areas that will remain relatively stable due to climate change, providing temporary sanctuaries for species of conservation concern.
A new study found that many species face significantly longer wait times than initially thought, ranging from 6 months to 38 years. This delay can lead to extinction and reduced global biodiversity, contradicting the policies of the US Endangered Species Act.
Researchers have identified two new species of bioluminescent deep-sea fish by analyzing pigment patterns and mitochondrial genomes of preserved specimens. The study suggests that the organisms use light emission for communication and counter-illumination to camouflage, showcasing their mastery in controlling light emission.
Research reveals that brief exposures to low concentrations of crude oil can cause deadly deformities in developing haddock. The study found that haddock eggs are particularly vulnerable to oil compounds, leading to extreme craniofacial deformities and compromising their survival.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the Southern tidewater goby, found only in three small lagoons in San Diego County, is a critically endangered new species. The goby has distinct morphological differences from its northern population, including fewer pectoral fin rays and more neuromasts.
Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.
Climate change is altering inland fish reproduction, growth, and habitats, with both positive and negative impacts on recreational fishing. Studies reveal changes in species ranges, migration timing, and predator-prey dynamics, highlighting the need for conservation and research strategies to sustain resilient fish communities.
The Oaxaca Cave Sleeper is a new genus of cavefish discovered in Mexico, marking the first time such a species has been found in the Western Hemisphere. With only 13 individuals documented, this species highlights the vulnerability of cave-adapted fish due to habitat loss and environmental threats.
Researchers found that 33 different fish families demonstrate some terrestrial activity, with behaviors evolving independently in various species. Blennies, intertidal fish, were studied in seven Pacific and Indian Ocean locations, showing an amphibious lifestyle has evolved repeatedly.
A recent study found that invasive Bighead and silver carp species avoid areas with CO2-infused water, reducing movement and behavior. The researchers tested the effectiveness of infusing water with recycled CO2 gas to deter carp movement.
Researchers found that young fish reared in eddies grew faster and had a survival advantage compared to those outside eddies. The study's findings suggest that eddies can act as pelagic nursery areas, providing a critical head start for larval fish growth.
Scientists found that selectively fishing for lingcod in closed areas can help avoid harming other fish species, including rockfish listed as overfished. The approach aims to balance the needs of fishermen with conservation efforts, potentially benefiting both groups.
A newly discovered Chinese fossil, Meemannia, is the oldest known actinopterygian, providing new evidence for the origin of ray-finned fishes. The study reveals that early bony fish had 'cosmine'-like tissues, previously thought to unite lobe-fins and ray-fins, and confirms Meemannia as an early-diverging ray-finned fish.
Researchers found that some fish species can adjust their metabolisms to warmer temperatures, but not their tolerance for extreme heat. This 'plastic floor' of adaptation has limitations, with fish unable to tolerate temperatures beyond a certain threshold, dubbed the 'concrete ceiling'.
A new study finds that acidification can make low oxygen even more deadly for fish, forcing them to use coping mechanisms at higher oxygen levels. This doubles the threat, as fish are also vulnerable to predators and equilibrium loss when exposed to both stressors.
Research team led by Loïc Pellissier showed that continental plate movement drove the evolution of new species in coral reefs. The study used computer models and combined different simulations to demonstrate how shallow and warm waters were located throughout Earth history, giving corals a habitat.
Research at Umeå University found that fish length and weight are less important for survival than overall health. The study tracked fish movement patterns through the winter, using PIT tags inserted into fish bodies to follow their migration. Fish populations can fluctuate significantly during this time.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
Researchers from NJIT identified a species of blind cavefish in Thailand with tetrapod-like pelvic girdle, enabling it to walk and climb waterfalls. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of walking on land and convergent morphological features.
Researchers found that fish from different species associate with each other when they share the same food, suggesting a role for chemical cues in group bonding. This study suggests that shared dietary preferences may be a key factor in promoting social learning and information transfer among fish.
A new analysis from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the increasing use of plant-based feeds in farmed fish may change the levels of healthy fatty acids in these fish. This shift has large implications for dietary recommendations, as farmed fish are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain, the Turbot has a highly developed sense of sight due to adapting to low light conditions. Its genes show high levels of fat in cellular membranes for cold tolerance, and researchers aim to use this knowledge for genetic selection programs and possible vaccines.