Articles tagged with Ichthyology
A University of British Columbia study found traces of listeria in 20% of ready-to-eat fish products sold in Metro Vancouver. The bacteria can multiply during handling and storage, posing health risks to vulnerable individuals.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that college students and guppies exhibit similar behaviors when evaluating numerical ratios, suggesting an ancient evolutionary origin for human mathematical abilities. The results showed that the ability to distinguish between large numbers depends on the ratio between them.
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.
Researchers found that big fish in coral reefs prefer sheltering under large, flat table corals due to their importance as a source of cover. The team's study suggests that maintaining these structures could be crucial for the reef's resilience to climate change.
A study reveals that hatchery-raised fish are replacing wild salmon in the river, masking a decline in wild populations. The researchers used ear bones to detect chemical signatures from hatchery feed, finding that only 10% of spawning fish were naturally produced.
A study found that only 10% of Chinook salmon spawning in the Mokelumne River are naturally produced wild salmon, while hatchery-raised fish dominate the population. The research highlights the need for more accurate monitoring and management of wild populations.
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.
A new study by UC Davis and NOAA reveals that small oil spills can devastate marine life, including commercially important species like Pacific herring. The research found that components of Cosco Busan bunker oil accumulated in embryos and interacted with sunlight to kill them.
A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables and fish is associated with a 20% increased chances of living longer, according to a Swedish study that followed 70-year-olds for over 40 years. The H70 study found that those who consumed more meat and animal products had a lower chance of survival.
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.
Researchers have found that elasmobranchs, including skates and sharks, lack a cluster of genes, HoxC, previously thought to be essential for proper development. This discovery challenges the assumption that all jawed vertebrates possess a full complement of nearly identical genes for critical aspects of development.
A new study found that global warming increases the growth rate of parasites in fish, leading to altered host behavior and potentially devastating effects on fish reproduction. The research also suggests that parasites can manipulate host behavior to seek out warmer temperatures.
A Spanish study of 945 adults found that high fish consumption was linked to lower glucose concentrations and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. In contrast, excessive red meat consumption was associated with increased weight gain, obesity, and higher cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that small lake-dwelling fish follow simple yet effective rules when schooling together. By tracking individual fish and analyzing their interactions, the team identified key movements such as slowing down near others and turning to move towards neighbors.
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.
Researchers found that red-bellied piranhas produce three distinct sounds: a barking noise, a drum-like percussive sound, and a softer 'croaking' sound. The fish's swim bladder vibrates in response to muscle contractions, producing these sounds.
Researchers found that subordinate males in cichlids increase defense against predators when they sire offspring. Cooperative breeding behavior is affected by direct fitness benefits and indirect benefits like safety.
Researchers found that timid fish are more likely to be caught using angling techniques near rocky outcrops or submerged vegetation, while bolder fish are targeted by beach seining. The study's findings suggest that boldness can influence an individual's capture technique and habitat preference.
A fish has been observed using a tool to crack open a shell, similar to previous reports of tool use by other fish species such as wrasse and blackspot tuskfish.
A LSU research team found dramatic biological responses in fish exposed to oil constituents, even at very low concentrations. Genome expression and tissue damage indicate potential reproductive impairment and developmental abnormalities.
A University of Illinois study found that smaller largemouth bass recover from exertion faster than larger fish. The researchers simulated angling situations and measured the physiological responses of small and large fish.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that aquarium fishes are more aggressive in reduced environments, with 182.9 million ornamental fishes at risk. Increasing tank size and complexity can reduce harmful aggressive behaviors, leading to healthier fish.
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.
A recent Oregon State University study suggests that parasites in fish can have profound impacts on fish health and contribute to salmon mortality. The research found that heavy parasite loads can affect salmon growth, immune function, and other issues, and are linked to land use changes such as logging and agriculture.
A Scripps study found 9.2% of mid-water fish contained plastic debris, primarily small pieces smaller than a human fingernail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The researchers estimate tens of thousands of tons of debris are ingested by fish annually.
A recent study found that modern fish communities in coastal Kenya have significantly different life histories compared to ancient Swahili refuse heaps. This shift is attributed to overfishing, which has reduced larger species and increased smaller species with shorter life spans.
A new study reveals ocean acidification compromises fish hearing, leaving clownfish deaf to predators. Researchers reared larvae in different CO2 environments, showing that increased acidity impacts sensory systems, including those inside the fish's body.
A Baylor University study reveals that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common fire retardant, can cause developmental malformations, changes in behavior, and death in zebra fish. The research found that lower brominated congeners were more toxic than higher ones.
A study found that postmenopausal women who ate more baked/broiled fish had a 30% lower risk of heart failure compared to those who rarely ate it. Darker fish, such as salmon and mackerel, were associated with a greater risk reduction than lighter fish.
A study found that Atlantic molly females from regular surface streams have difficulty reproducing in dark conditions and are more prone to stress-induced bacterial columnaris disease. The research suggests that permanent darkness severely hampers reproduction in these fish, highlighting the importance of light for their survival.
A new study reveals that concentrated fish farm waste plumes do not consistently dilute immediately in open water. The research found that tides, currents, and the earth's rotation can dramatically affect how far waste plumes travel from their source.
Two new studies by UC Davis researchers found a direct link between lead ammunition and lead poisoning in scavenger birds like eagles and turkey vultures. The studies suggest that hunting with lead ammunition can have devastating effects on these bird species, causing inability to fly, starvation, anemia, blindness, seizures and death.
Marine biologists from the University of Miami have created a probabilistic survey approach to count reef fish, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This framework can support long-term sustainability of reef resources globally, informing management decisions for coral reefs in various regions.
Researchers found that fish exposed to speargun fishing are wary and keep their distance, fleeing earlier than those in protected zones. In some cases, the flight distance increased by 2.6 meters, putting them beyond spear range.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
Researchers show strong links between South China Sea, West Pacific, and Coral Triangle preserve diversity and resilience of coral reefs. The region's natural resources are closely interconnected, highlighting the need for collective action to protect them.
A 10-year study found that restricting fishing gear, including small-mesh seine nets, promotes predatory fish species and increases body length. Even unregulated areas saw improvements to the fish community. Strong management can also benefit adjacent weakly managed areas.
A study found that people in 'stroke belt' states, particularly African-Americans, eat more fried fish than others, contributing to a higher risk of death from stroke. The American Academy of Neurology attributes this to the loss of natural fatty acids when frying fish.
A study published in Neurology found that eating fried fish in the stroke belt states of Alabama, Georgia, and others is associated with a higher risk of stroke. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish may reduce stroke risk, but frying destroys these nutrients.
Marine ecologists at Oregon State University have shown that tiny fish larvae can drift with ocean currents and replenish fished areas long distances. This discovery adds credibility to the effectiveness of marine reserves in rebuilding fishery stocks, providing a significant demonstration of their ability to sustain fisheries beyond t...
Researchers at the University of Washington used numerical models to study how tidal turbine blades affect sediment accumulation and fish health. The study found that rapid pressure changes could disorient fish, increasing the risk of injury or death.
A new UC Davis study concludes that sea lice from salmon farms have no significant impact on the productivity of wild pink salmon populations. The research analyzed 10 years of farm fish counts and 60 years of wild fish counts, contradicting earlier reports linking farm salmon to the 2002 population crash in western Canada.
Discus fish exhibit unusual parental care by secreting a nutrient-rich mucus that their young feed on. After three weeks, the parents stop providing food and let the fry fend for themselves.
A four-year study found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect the ability of wild fish to breed, with intersex fish experiencing reduced reproductive performance. The research highlights the potential long-term impact of these chemicals on ecosystem health and human health.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that female cichlid fish develop exceptionally large pelvic fins, differing from male fins in shape and color. Males prefer females with larger pelvic fins, leading to the growth of disproportionately sized fins.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that fish located near coal-fired power plants have significantly lower levels of mercury than those further away. High levels of selenium, a chemical also emitted by these facilities, are believed to be the reason behind this surprising finding.
A new study reveals that fish shoals and krill swarms share a unique, irregular crystal-like shape across different locations. Researchers used multibeam sonar to record the three-dimensional structure of Antarctic krill swarms, finding a fixed surface area-to-volume ratio, similar to studies on fish from diverse locations.
A study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that flying fish can glide better than insects and as well as birds like petrels. The research revealed that the fish's lift-to-drag ratio increased when gliding near the surface, allowing them to cover longer distances.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified a key player in animal gut immunity and revealed surprising similarities between fish and humans. The discovery provides new insights into how humans maintain healthy intestines and could lead to improved approaches for keeping fish safe from pathogens.
A new study found that short exposure to artificial noise makes fish attracted to inappropriate sounds, putting their survival at risk. The researchers used underwater experiments to show that baby reef fish can learn and remember specific sounds, including those made by humans.
A study by University of Calgary researchers reveals a significant increase in female fish population and feminization of males in two Southern Alberta rivers. The presence of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals, such as synthetic estrogens and bisphenol A, is linked to the sex ratio imbalance.
Researchers observed 10 to 20 snailfish congregating at a depth of 7703 meters, suggesting that few species of fishes survive in the darkness of the hadal zone. The study, published in BioScience, provides evidence that liparids dominate the deep ocean's hadal environment.
Researchers used Robofish to study the collective behavior of three-spined sticklebacks in groups. The findings show that individual fish are more influenced by neighboring fish than distance from the leader, providing insights into fish group dynamics and collective animal behavior.
Researchers have created a convincing robotic fish that shoals will accept as one of their own, allowing them to study complex situations such as aggressive and cooperative behaviour. The study found that relative distance between individuals is more important than absolute distance in influencing group dynamics.
A recent study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that upgrading a wastewater treatment plant in Colorado has mitigated the problem of male fish becoming feminized due to chemical contaminants. The team observed no effects on male sex characteristics after 28 days of exposure to effluent water, contradicting previous fi...
A new study from Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science reveals that hunting at a drag-inducing position could be the basis for fish's unusual body shape. The researchers found that the increased cost of movement caused by body tilting was more than counterbalanced by increased sensory performance.
Researchers discovered that shoaling fish coordinate their movements more frequently when under threat to reduce the risk of being targeted. This 'oddity effect' drives better synchronization in group movement, making it harder for predators to single out individual targets.
A USGS study reveals that atrazine concentrations in agricultural streams and rivers can cause reduced reproduction and spawning in fish. Fathead minnows exposed to atrazine showed lower total egg production and reproductive tissue abnormalities.