Articles tagged with Fish
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 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 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 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.
Fish populations that gather and spawn in large groups face growing threats from overexploitation and inadequate management. Insufficient regulation allows a few active boats to deplete these vulnerable populations, while changing economic conditions may lead to rapid species declines.
A new large fish species, Myloplus zorroi, has been discovered in the Amazonia region of Brazil. The fish is characterized by its distinctive teeth, specialized to crush seeds, and a reddish silver color with darker markings. It grows up to 47.5 cm in length and dwells in moderately to rapidly flowing clear rivers.
Researchers have mapped whale calls to reveal species-specific feeding centers along Georges Bank, where humpback whales congregate in two main clusters and minke, fin, and blue whales set up territories in between. The team's results suggest predator and prey interactions are influenced by territorialism or foraging mechanisms.
Intense fishing changes fish characteristics, passed down to future generations, causing population fluctuations and destabilizing the ecosystem. The study simulates these effects in Lake Constance, highlighting the importance of considering the entire ecosystem when evaluating fishing impacts.
Most aquatic species sense sound via particle motion, yet few studies have included measurements. Researchers from the University of Exeter and others have developed user-friendly tools to maximize its uptake and understand the impact of man-made noise on aquatic life.
Akinori Teramura's Twitter post revealed the first recorded case of illegal bluegill fish release in Japan, sparking concerns about native aquatic insect biodiversity. The researchers concluded that the fish were likely released from an aquarium or home aquarist, highlighting the need for community awareness and improved reporting.
A new study from the University of Southampton found that inland freshwater fisheries with higher biodiversity have higher-yielding and more stable fisheries. The research suggests that maintaining healthy freshwater systems is critical for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.
Climate change is forcing species of migrating fish to shift their range towards the poles, affecting people who depend on them. Wealthier communities with stronger resource management tend to benefit more from these changes, exacerbating global inequality.
A 90-million-year-old fossil fish has been identified as a new species, Pentanogmius fritschi, with a tuna-like body and unique 'hook-shaped sail'. The discovery was made by Kenshu Shimada and his team at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
Eating fish more than three times a week during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of rapid growth in infancy and childhood obesity. Women who consumed high amounts of fish had children with higher BMI values at various ages compared to those who ate less.
Researchers have discovered that pectoral fins in fish possess neurons and cells sensitive to touch, conveying information about pressure and motion. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary biology of touch and may inspire new advances in underwater robotics design.
Two new fossil fish species of Rhinconichthys have been discovered from the Cretaceous Period, with a greatly expanded geographical range. The newly named R. purgatoirensis and R. uyenoi have tripled the number of species in the genus.
Motorboat noise increases stress levels in young coral reef fish, reducing their ability to flee from predators. This study found that boat noise can halve survival chances and double the capture rate of fish.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a simple and effective test to detect Ponto-Caspian gobies in streaming and stagnant water. The method uses environmental DNA analysis, reacting exclusively to the genetic material of invasive gobies, making it a cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers show that intense male competition can lead to speciation, erasing boundaries between species and creating new ones. This process is independent of natural selection and has significant implications for understanding biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered that the shape of a fish's tail is a key predictor of its ability to live across different depths on coral reefs. Fish with more forked tails are better adapted to survive in both shallow and deep habitats, thanks to their stealth swimming capabilities.
A global assessment reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) insufficently protect the evolutionary history of tropical corals and fishes, with less than a quarter of wrasse species receiving minimum protection levels. The study suggests that protecting the genetic history of living organisms is crucial in a changing world.
Researchers found that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating social dominance in cichlid fish. By altering gene expression, these fish can change their social status, which is linked to better health and quality of life.
A new study suggests that Asian carp could cause declines in most fish species in Lake Erie, including walleye and rainbow trout, while smallmouth bass may increase. The model results show that Asian carp could eventually account for up to 34% of the total fish weight in the lake.
A new study by the University of Michigan predicts that Asian carp invasion in Lake Erie could lead to declines in most fish species, including walleye and rainbow trout, but smallmouth bass may increase in weight. The invasive carp could account for up to 34% of the total fish weight in the lake.
Researchers found that areas previously depleted of salmon are on a fast track to recovery, with American dipper birds showing improved physical condition and reproductive success when accessing salmon. The studies suggest rivers can recover within a generation after dam removal, offering a promising conservation outcome.
Researchers have uncovered a 380-meter-deep time capsule from Lake Malawi, providing unprecedented insight into the past of this African lake. The study found that changes in lake level over the last 1.3 million years played a significant role in the development of the lake's diverse fish species.
Researchers found that certain fish species exhibit lower polarization contrast with their backgrounds, making them harder to spot. The platelets in these fish align on vertical axes to reflect downward-directed light and diffuse horizontal-axis light, providing enhanced camouflage abilities.
A recent study found that high concentrations of carbon dioxide deter even small invasive carp from entering areas with elevated CO2 levels. The gas causes stress and avoidance behavior in fish as young as eight days old, providing a non-physical barrier against the species.
A 359 million-year-old mass extinction event triggered a drastic transformation in Earth's vertebrate community, with smaller fish dominating the oceans for at least 40 million years. The findings suggest that small, fast-reproducing fish possessed an evolutionary advantage over larger animals in the disturbed environment.
Seals are having no significant impact on commercial fish populations off the south and west coasts of Ireland, according to a new study. The researchers found that seals primarily eat smaller fish, which are abundant in numbers, thereby not competing with fishermen for the valuable stocks.
A study on the Belizean Barrier Reef found that fish larvae typically disperse no more than 1.7 kilometers from their parents, highlighting the need for connected marine reserves to conserve biodiversity and sustain fisheries.