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Warm seas scatter fish

A recent study found that climate change is disrupting the complex systems underlying global fisheries, with 8% of fish populations experiencing significant negative impacts. The greatest losses in productivity were seen in regions such as the Sea of Japan and North Sea, while the Labrador-Newfoundland region saw significant gains.

Cool adaptations to the cold

Researchers found that icefish have evolved transparent blood, increased energy production, and specialized proteins to protect against cold damage. These adaptations enable them to thrive in Antarctica's frigid waters.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 25, 2019

Anemones are friends to fish

A study by University of Delaware researchers reveals that larger-bodied fish, like juveniles, associate with anemones for protection, while smaller species partner with them throughout their lives. This mutualistic relationship is driven by predation and helps fish avoid predators in ocean reefs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 29, 2019

Electric fish in augmented reality reveal how animals 'actively sense' world around them

Researchers used augmented reality to investigate the link between active sensing movement and sensory feedback in weakly electric fish. The study found that subtle active sensing movements are controlled by sensory feedback, enhancing sensory information reception. This discovery may have implications for neuroscience and robotics.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 21, 2018

First steps

Researchers are conducting a comprehensive study of the walking cavefish to better understand the 'fin-to-limb' transition that enabled the first vertebrates to walk on land. The project aims to identify the genomic, morphological and mechanical qualities that enable fish to walk on land.

Swarming behavior discovered in fish-dwelling parasite

Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·DateDec 13, 2018

Identifying a piranha by its bark

Scientists have discovered that different piranha species can be identified by the pattern of their barks, which could lead to more efficient conservation efforts. The study's findings suggest that passive acoustic monitoring may be a useful tool for studying piranha behavior in the wild.

Sniffing out sharks

A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and USGS used eDNA to detect the presence of white sharks in local waters, providing clues for lifeguards and helping monitor the species' recovery. The study's success could lead to real-time monitoring and better understanding of marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 14, 2018

Finding Nemo's genes

Researchers have successfully mapped the orange clownfish's genome using high-tech sequencing tools, creating a comprehensive genetic blueprint. The completed genome contains over 26,000 protein-coding genes and will aid in understanding reef fish biology, sex change, larval dispersal, and ocean acidification impacts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 11, 2018

Clown fish: Whence the white stripes?

Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.

SourceCNRS·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 4, 2018

Shrimp heal injured fish

Researchers at James Cook University found that shrimp clean parasites from injured fish without aggravating their injuries. The interaction between cleaner shrimp and client fish also reduces stress levels, potentially increasing the fish's ability to heal.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Biology·DateAug 22, 2018

Hybridization boosts evolution

Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2018