Articles tagged with Fish
A Griffith University study found that current water releases limit fish reproduction and impact freshwater biodiversity. Restoring natural low flow periods is critical to produce food for dependent fish species.
Biologist Keith Gido is discovering dramatic changes in native fish communities due to the North American drought. River fragmentation and groundwater withdrawals are affecting aquatic systems and native fish species in the Great Plains.
The three-spined stickleback exhibits preference for joining shoals of relatives over unfamiliar individuals. Despite exposure to familiar and unfamiliar kin, the fish showed no preference for selecting group members based on familiarity.
A recent study by University of Michigan researchers has found that sturgeon have evolved at an incredible rate in terms of body size, with some species reaching sizes comparable to those of Volkswagen vans. This discovery challenges the common perception of sturgeon as 'living fossils' and sheds new light on the evolutionary process.
A new species of blenniiform fish, Haptoclinus dropi, has been discovered in the biodiversity-rich waters of the southern Caribbean. Measuring only 2cm in length, it features a unique color pattern and four divisions on its dorsal fin.
A new study suggests that ocean acidification could lead to increased hearing sensitivity in fish, with potential benefits for navigation and communication. Researchers found that fish raised in low-pH seawater had larger otoliths, which are used for hearing and balance, resulting in up to a 58-percent increase in otolith mass.
Researchers have discovered a new fossil species, Holoptychius bergmanni, in the Canadian Arctic during the Devonian period. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary transition from finned vertebrates to limbed vertebrates and provides insights into the life of large predatory fish in this ecosystem.
Scientists have discovered a new species of armored fish in north central Pennsylvania, providing insights into evolutionary changes during the Devonian period. The discovery was made possible by a technique used to analyze fossil impressions, which allowed researchers to create a detailed description of the new species.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that fishers in Hawaii's nearshore fisheries travel longer distances to catch fish due to the placement of marine protected areas. Despite this, their social and economic status remain unchanged.
Researchers found that clownfish fan their anemone hosts to increase oxygen consumption, benefiting both species. The fish's nocturnal antics may also improve circulation in the anemone, supporting life under low oxygen conditions.
A recent study using underwater video cameras has identified four species of herbivorous fish as the primary cleaners of coral reefs in the South Pacific. These fish are highly picky eaters and target specific types of seaweeds, highlighting the importance of biodiversity for reef health.
Fish can determine their size relative to others using chemical cues alone. This ability helps form groups with strength in numbers, reducing individual risk from predators. The study found that both species used chemical self-referencing to locate similarly sized fish of the same species.
Researchers found carbon dioxide to be an effective tool in repelling fish from an area, with all four species tested showing the same response. This non-physical barrier could complement electric fences and increase the likelihood of stopping invasive Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan.
A team of economists and fish ecologists found that modern fish passage facilities were unsuccessful in allowing economically important species such as salmon, shad, and river herring to pass through dams. The study highlights the need for dam removals to restore diadromous species populations.
A new fossil discovery in southern California challenges earlier claims of a 'killer walrus' existing. The ancient creature was found to have a diet rich in fish, contrary to initial estimates that it preyed on marine mammals.
A comprehensive snapshot of pupfish evolution reveals how natural selection drives specialization through the creation of adaptive landscapes. Research shows that species are often limited to generalist feeding styles due to stabilizing selection.
A new study reveals that fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients, providing fertilizer for sea grass and algae growth. The research found that fish populations around reefs can cause significant changes in ecosystem productivity.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 137 new species across four continents and two oceans, adding to the complex web of life on Earth. These discoveries strengthen conservation efforts by providing a deeper understanding of evolution and the persistence of life.
Scientists are studying fish ear bones to understand the impacts of climate change on fish growth and distribution. The otoliths, which record annual growth rings, can provide insights into environmental conditions and help guide conservation efforts.
A recent study found that reserve-reared fish are less wary of divers and can be caught closer than those living in fished areas. This increased accessibility makes the local fish harvest more sustainable, potentially improving support for marine reserves.
A new species of coelacanth, Reidus hilli, has been identified in Texas, revealing a previously unknown family and providing insights into the evolutionary history of this ancient fish. The discovery sheds light on the diverse history of coelacanths, which have remained largely unchanged for 400 million years.
Researchers found that silvery fish have evolved a multilayer structure in their skin containing two types of guanine crystals, allowing them to maintain high reflectivity and conceal themselves from predators. This adaptation could lead to better optical devices, such as LED lights and low-loss optical fibers.
A VCU study found evidence of fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in the James River, a finding that may lead to guidelines and protections for future management and recovery. The research also highlights the need to understand unique ecological traits of the James River population.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that a hormone similar to oxytocin increases responsiveness to social information and promotes cohesion in fish. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of complex social behaviors in some species.
AZTI-Tecnalia coordinates two €1.5M research projects on bluefin tuna to study population structure, migrations, growth, and reproduction. These projects will inform ICCAT's conservation efforts in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Researchers found that specialized cichlid swim bladder extensions improve hearing by detecting higher sound frequencies, while the size of the swim bladder also plays a crucial role. The study investigated 1,300 cichlid species with varying swim bladder morphologies.
Biologists present a simple way to estimate maximum sustainable yield (MSY) using catch data and species resilience. The new method has been tested on 148 fish stocks with excellent agreement compared to traditional methods.
Researchers found that males with ant-eating traits have ornament shapes resembling ants, attracting female bites that develop a search image for the food. Sensory drive promotes differences among populations based on species in the community.
Indo-Pacific coral reefs are more resilient due to lower seaweed growth rates and a higher abundance of herbivorous fish, which treats seaweed as a delicacy. The study suggests that these reefs can withstand degradation before being overtaken by seaweeds.
Researchers found that BPA alters fish behavior and appearance, leading to inter-species breeding. This process poses long-term ecological consequences, including the potential decline of native species.
A study led by University of British Columbia researchers found that the EU pays less than it did two decades ago while catching more fish in Madagascar's waters. The total annual income for Madagascar decreased by almost 90% between 1986 and 2010 due to unfair access fees.
Scientists developed the first laboratory system to evaluate pile driving's effect on fish, finding individual blows above a certain sound level can irreparably harm them. The recommended sound threshold aims to minimize harm to marine animals while permitting ocean development.
The study of Acanthodes bronni, a 290-million-year-old fossil fish, sheds light on the evolution of early jawed vertebrates. The researchers found that the common ancestor of all jawed vertebrates resembled a shark, with features such as cartilaginous jaws and primitive sensory organs.
Researchers found that males vocalize during courtship, with receptive females preferring males associated with playbacks of low-frequency sounds. Females' sensitivity to these sounds varies depending on their sexual receptiveness and hormone levels.
A study found that marine reserves on Australia's Great Barrier Reef produce approximately half of all juvenile recruitment to both reserve and fished reefs. The reserves, which account for just 28% of the local reef area, help sustain valuable fisheries.
The new system identifies fish populations to a forensic level of validation, helping tackle overfishing and illegal fishing. DNA-based tools can be used across the food supply chain and provide an independent method for authenticity testing.
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.
A task force report strongly recommends implementing conservative catch limits for 'forage fish' like sardines and anchovies. These small species are crucial prey for larger species, including salmon, cod, tuna, dolphins, whales, penguins, and seabirds.
The team will examine harvests of healthy stocks before and after the catch shares program, assessing whether fishermen are closer to harvesting their full strong-stock quotas. They will also study the impact of risk pools and computer models on cooperation and conservation in fisheries management.
Researchers tracked Lake Erie water snakes using Lotek Archival Tags (LATs) to study their habits and diet, finding that they spend more time foraging than previously estimated. The findings suggest that native snake species can help combat the invasive round goby fish population in Lake Erie.
Research reveals that well-enforced marine reserves in the Mediterranean have recovered fish biomass five to 10 times greater than fished areas. However, 'protected' areas with allowed fishing saw no improvement over unprotected sites, highlighting the importance of full conservation measures for recovery.
Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify parasitic worms in canned food, ruling out contamination and ensuring kosher certification. The study's findings confirm that the food remains kosher despite the presence of roundworms.
A Yale-led study reveals that tens of millions of years ago, Antarctic fish adapted to new polar conditions and developed 'anti-freeze' proteins. However, today they are endangered due to rapid ocean temperature rises.
A study by Yale University researchers found that spotted salamanders breeding in contaminated roadside ponds are adapting to their toxic environments through rapid evolution. The salamanders' survival and growth rates improve in these conditions, suggesting they have developed a genetic advantage.
Researchers used hydrophones to record 24-hour sounds from the sea floor and found a wealth of biological sounds, including whale and dolphin calls. The study suggests that man-made noise could be a problem for some species, highlighting the importance of passive acoustic monitoring.
Scientists uncover complex fish-coral relationships that have evolved over millions of years, revealing the importance of preserving specific reef types to save coral reefs. The study suggests that protecting the right sorts of reefs is crucial for their survival, and that past mass extinctions can inform conservation efforts.
High CO2 levels in ocean water disrupt fish's central nervous system, impairing hearing, smell, turning, and predator evasion. Fish with high oxygen consumption are likely to be most affected.
Researchers found that hatcheries rapidly select for fish with exceptional survival and adaptation abilities, at the cost of their reproductive success in the wild. This study confirms 'domestication selection' as a primary driver of genetic changes in hatchery-born salmon.
The California Academy of Sciences discovered 140 new species in 2011, including arthropods, sea slugs, fishes, plants, sponges, corals, and a reptile. These findings add to the family tree of life on Earth and provide crucial information for conservation decisions.
Researchers discovered that some tropical fish can adjust to higher sea temperatures by transmitting information between generations. This allows them to cope with elevated water temperatures, but may have penalties such as smaller offspring and reduced reproduction rates.
Researchers found that several native fish species have incorporated the bloody red shrimp into their diet over multi-seasonal periods. The study suggests these fish are adapting to the invasive species, alleviating concerns about its impact on native populations.
The 2011 survey found a significant increase in young-of-year striped bass numbers in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, with over 27 fish per seine haul recorded. This strong year class is expected to grow into a sustainable population, benefiting both recreational and commercial anglers.
In a cooperative breeding system, cichlid males who sire offspring defend more effectively against predators and stay closer to the breeding shelter. Subordinate males' helping behavior is linked to direct fitness benefits, including paternity and increased safety.
A recent study of Glover's Reef Marine Reserve in Belize found that coral communities showed no significant improvement despite 10 years of protected status. The research revealed declines in coral cover and abundance of juvenile corals, with macroalgae dominating the reef and impeding coral growth.
Two key Southern California fisheries have collapsed due to a combination of overfishing of spawning areas and changes in oceanographic conditions. The study found that despite stable catch rates, the population sizes of barred sand bass and kelp bass decreased by 90% since 1980.
Researchers studying seaweed-eating fish and coral reef health may develop new methods to manage seaweed growth. The study aims to determine which mix of fish can control the most damaging seaweeds and protect corals.
A new study reveals that warming seas are changing the composition of fish communities in the northeast Atlantic, with southerly species dominating and colder species declining. The analysis of data from over a million fish across 28 years shows a significant increase in warm-water species and a decrease in cold-adapted species.
A major shift in European fish stocks is already underway due to rapidly rising temperatures, with some species' losses being others' gains. The study found that over 72% of common fish species have changed in abundance related to warming trends, with three out of four species increasing in numbers.
Dams and weirs have a profound effect on the ecosystem of watercourses, causing a significant decline in species diversity. The study found that fish species are 25% lower upstream of weirs compared to downstream areas, while invertebrate diversity is up to 50% lower.
A new species of ancient predatory fish, Laccognathus embryi, has been discovered in North America during the Devonian Period. The 5-6 foot long fish had a wide head, small eyes, and robust jaws lined with large piercing teeth.