Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Repeat spawning comes with tradeoffs for trout

Steelhead trout that spawn multiple times have higher lifetime reproductive success, but at the cost of increased mortality and energy expenditure. The study found that single spawners die after reproduction, while repeat spawners save energy for later migrations.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2018

Little creek, big impact

A study found that restoring Putah Creek in California increased the bird population by twice as much, with more common riparian birds visiting in increasing numbers. The restoration also improved the ecosystem's function and had benefits beyond the water's edge.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcological Restoration·DateMar 15, 2018

When every fish counts

A study published in Conservation Genetics found that about a third of fish samples were misidentified as native delta smelt when using visual identification. Genetic analysis revealed 27% of the fish thought to be native delta smelt were actually non-native wakasagi.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalConservation Genetics·DateFeb 22, 2018

Vaccines not protecting farmed fish from disease

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that vaccines used by commercial fish farmers are not protecting fish from disease, with vaccinated fish showing more symptoms and higher death rates. The study highlights the need for veterinary pharmaceutical companies to redesign and test vaccines tailored to fish immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Camelina oil improves blood lipid profile

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that camelina oil reduces overall and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. Camelina oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid, showed a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels but had no similar effects for fatty or lean fish.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJan 8, 2018

Conserving coral communities

A recent study led by Harvard University researchers found that coral restoration efforts can have a positive impact on fish communities in the short term and over time. The study showed that even after just one week, significantly more fish and a greater diversity of species were present at experimental coral beds.

SourceHarvard University·JournalMarine Biology·DateDec 27, 2017

What do piranhas and goldfish have in common?

A recent study published in Systematic Biology reveals that piranhas and goldfish are more closely related to catfishes than previously thought. The researchers used ultraconserved elements to reconstruct a Tree of Life for Ostariophysi fishes, revealing surprising relationships among the Characiformes order.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalSystematic Biology·DateNov 3, 2017

Brain damage in fish affected by plastic nanoparticles

A recent study conducted at Lund University has found that brain damage can occur in fish due to exposure to plastic nanoparticles. The research shows that these tiny particles can accumulate in the brains of fish and cause behavioural disorders, including slower eating rates and reduced exploration.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2017

Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms

A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed fish at least 2 times a week had lower disease activity compared to those who ate fish less than once a month. The study, which assessed 176 patients, suggests that fish consumption may lower inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Naked DNA in water tells if fish have arrived

Researchers have recorded spring fish migrations by analyzing DNA in water samples, providing a harmless and economical alternative to traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that environmental DNA can be used to monitor fish populations, estimate abundance, and track distribution.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 12, 2017

Surprise discovery of Europe's first cave fish

Researchers have discovered Europe's first cave fish, a loach species, in a hard-to-reach underground water system in Southern Germany. The discovery reveals that adaptation to subterranean habitats can occur rapidly, with the loach evolving within just a few thousand years.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 3, 2017