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Extensive survey of Eastern tropical Pacific finds remote protected areas harbor some of the highest concentrations of sharks

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...

SourceNational Geographic Pristine Seas·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2025

New environmental DNA test could help rare hammerhead sharks fight extinction

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.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateNov 5, 2025

Life in the fast (and slow) lanes for salmon

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...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2025

Dried fish – the hidden superfood vital for millions of women and children in Africa

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.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2025

There’s something fishy going on with great white sharks that scientists can’t explain

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.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2025

A comparison of colorful hamlets from the Caribbean challenges ideas about how species arise

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 4, 2025

New examination of fish considered a ‘living fossil’ changes our understanding of vertebrate skull evolution

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.

Genetic isolation despite geographic proximity highlights the threat to island fish species

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 16, 2025

'Adventurous’ vs ‘homebody’ anemonefish – research reveals key influences in diversification and evolution

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2025

Orange is the new aphrodisiac—for guppies

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 9, 2025

Animal energy usage made visible through video

Researchers from OIST and Hebrew University developed a novel method to measure energy usage during movement using video and 3D-tracking via deep learning. This innovative approach expands the study of movement energy in ecology, physiology, and beyond, enabling the accurate measurement of energy consumption in smaller animal species.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 24, 2025

Researchers from MARE ULisboa discover that the European catfish, an invasive species in Portugal, has a prolonged breeding season, enhancing its invasive potential

The European Catfish has a prolonged breeding season of almost five months, allowing its offspring to survive extreme events and compete for food resources effectively. This finding is crucial for controlling the species' population, as removing larger individuals can help reduce fecundity.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

Fish use tools too

Researchers have discovered that tropical fish smash shellfish against rocks to open and eat the meat, showcasing a previously unknown level of intelligence in fish. This behavior is not limited to mammals and birds, as multiple species of wrasses exhibit similar tool use, expanding our understanding of evolutionary tool use.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCoral Reefs·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025