Articles tagged with Ichthyology
A genomic study in the lower Congo River finds that fishes are evolving into distinct species due to the intense hydraulics of the river's rapids and deep canyons. The researchers discovered that fishes living less than a mile away from their relatives are exchanging few genes, indicating strong genetic separation.
A new study reveals that 27% of commercial marine landings were diverted to uses other than direct human consumption from 1950 to 2010. Most of the diverted fish are classified as food-grade or prime, used in aquaculture and livestock production, threatening global food security.
The splitfin flashlight fish uses bioluminescence to detect and feed on plankton at night. Blinking patterns were found to be adjusted based on the presence of prey, indicating a context-dependent use of light.
A new study found that Stomiidae family of deep-sea fishes have a flexible connection between their first vertebra and the back of their head, allowing them to open their mouths wide for consuming large prey. This unique joint may enable fish to consume larger prey due to its additional flexibility.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that reef fish are willing to overcome their fear of sharks and eat algae in danger zones. This behavior can help counteract excess algae growth in coral reefs threatened by nutrient pollution.
A recent study published in Neurology found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can help maintain brain volume in older adults. The study, which followed 967 Scottish people aged 70 for three years, revealed that those who followed the diet more closely retained more brain volume than those who did not.
A groundbreaking study has shown that baby reef fish possess an internal magnetic 'compass' that enables them to swim towards their home reef at night. The researchers, led by Professor Mike Kingsford, found that the tiny Cardinal fish can use their magnetic senses to orient themselves in total darkness.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln have secured £300,000 funding to develop an automated social network analysis tool for monitoring zebrafish and rainbow trout welfare.
Researchers found that long-fingered bats, known for eating insects, can also catch fish. The study suggests that their fishing technique developed from a primary reaction to disappearing target stimuli, and they may improve their skills through experience and social learning.
A new study by Lauren Sallan reveals that the tails of fish and tetrapods are distinct structures with different evolutionary histories. Fossilized fish hatchlings show a dual tail structure consisting of a scaly, fleshy tail and a flexible fin.
Research reveals that warming ocean temperatures and increased fish populations are destroying kelp forests off the NSW north coast. The study found that over-grazing by fish can lead to kelp deforestation and barren reefs, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems in Australia and globally.
A new study reveals that consumers may actually be eating more sustainably due to mislabeled seafood. The research found that mislabeled fish are often substituted with species of better conservation status and lower prices.
In a study by University of Leicester researchers, male stickleback fish change the design of their nests depending on oxygen content, while females also adjust their nest preferences accordingly. This flexibility might give sticklebacks an advantage in rapidly changing environments.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that 90% of globally caught fish are from rivers with high environmental stress levels. Freshwater fish provide animal protein for 158 million people worldwide, particularly in countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh.
A new analysis of over a thousand fossil fishes reveals that holosteans were as evolutionarily innovative as teleosts, and perhaps even more so. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania's John Clarke, challenges the traditional view of teleosts' success story.
A study suggests that coral reef fish can opt for cooler temperatures instead of adapting to warmer ocean conditions. This could be a survival mechanism to mitigate the impact of global climate change.
Researchers found that midshipman fish rely on a light-driven internal clock and the hormone melatonin to determine when to sing. The study shows that melatonin acts directly on the vocal circuitry in the midshipman's brain, causing them to hum at night.
Researchers found that in cases of constant misreporting, the impact on fishery status is less critical than trend analysis, suggesting more sustainable management possible despite missing catch data. Misreporting can happen frequently worldwide, but many fisheries can still be well-managed with trends in population changes considered.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will evaluate the Whooshh Fish Transport System, a technology that transports fish through a flexible tube, to make hydropower cheaper and more fish-friendly. The study aims to compare its performance with traditional fish ladders to move Pacific Coast salmon around barriers in the Columbia River.
A new study reports that Greenland sharks live at least 272 years and reach sexual maturity at 156 years old. The species now holds the record for the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth.
A new USGS study identifies specific steps to manage climate refugia for plants, animals, and fishes. These 'refugia' are areas that will remain relatively stable due to climate change, providing temporary sanctuaries for species of conservation concern.
Researchers have identified two new species of bioluminescent deep-sea fish by analyzing pigment patterns and mitochondrial genomes of preserved specimens. The study suggests that the organisms use light emission for communication and counter-illumination to camouflage, showcasing their mastery in controlling light emission.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bioluminescence may have evolved independently 27 times in 14 major fish clades, indicating its importance for fish survival. The researchers suggest that bioluminescence is a useful trait that has led to the diversification of many fish species.
A study reveals Amazonian fish species' life stories through otolith microchemistry, tracing migratory routes and environments. The research provides critical groundwork for conservation and management of threatened species.
A study using chemical analysis of ear-stones reveals details of Amazonian fish migrations, environments, and populations, providing insights into conservation efforts. The research identifies chemical markers tracing fish back to the Amazon estuary and black water vs. white water rivers.
Researchers found that young fish reared in eddies grew faster and had a survival advantage compared to those outside eddies. The study's findings suggest that eddies can act as pelagic nursery areas, providing a critical head start for larval fish growth.
A newly discovered Chinese fossil, Meemannia, is the oldest known actinopterygian, providing new evidence for the origin of ray-finned fishes. The study reveals that early bony fish had 'cosmine'-like tissues, previously thought to unite lobe-fins and ray-fins, and confirms Meemannia as an early-diverging ray-finned fish.
Researchers at ANU tested breeding habits of fish to disprove theory that larger genitals make males more attractive or successful in fathering offspring. They found females don't find bigger genitals more attractive, contradicting previous studies and human research.
A new study finds that acidification can make low oxygen even more deadly for fish, forcing them to use coping mechanisms at higher oxygen levels. This doubles the threat, as fish are also vulnerable to predators and equilibrium loss when exposed to both stressors.
A Dartmouth College study finds that both prey type and quality affect mercury accumulation in fish, with bottom-dwelling prey accumulating less mercury due to higher calorie content. Fish feeding on plankton in open water accumulate more mercury, leading to lower growth rates and higher concentrations in their tissues.
Researchers found that pollutants in seafood, including DDT and flame retardants, can interfere with the body's P-gp protein, which protects against foreign chemicals. The study suggests a risk assessment for protecting human health when eating contaminated seafood.
Caribbean coral reefs face mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution, and over-fishing of herbivorous fish. A new study suggests that implementing size limits and catch limits can help maintain reef resilience. The research provides tools for fisheries managers to revise current practices and sustain fishers' livelihoods.
A new large fish species, Myloplus zorroi, has been discovered in the Amazonia region of Brazil. The fish is characterized by its distinctive teeth, specialized to crush seeds, and a reddish silver color with darker markings. It grows up to 47.5 cm in length and dwells in moderately to rapidly flowing clear rivers.
A new study from the University of Southampton found that inland freshwater fisheries with higher biodiversity have higher-yielding and more stable fisheries. The research suggests that maintaining healthy freshwater systems is critical for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.
A new Yale-led study suggests that climate change reallocates global wealth in unpredictable ways, leading to a potential net loss in global wealth. The researchers argue that price impacts in resource-rich areas can significantly affect wealth reallocation.
A new study highlights the potential positive impact of consuming EPA and DHA omega-3s derived from menhaden on US public health. The consumption of 1000mg per day may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and nationwide healthcare costs by $1.7 billion.
A new study suggests that moderate fish consumption during pregnancy may have beneficial effects on infant neurobehavior and development. The research found that infants of mothers with higher mercury exposure and greater fish consumption showed improved attention and reduced special handling needs.
Zebrafish exposed to atrazine during embryonic development exhibited reproductive problems, including swollen abdomens and breeding complications, in their young. The study also found physical deformations, such as decreased head length to body length ratio, and increased progesterone levels in affected parents.
A 90-million-year-old fossil fish has been identified as a new species, Pentanogmius fritschi, with a tuna-like body and unique 'hook-shaped sail'. The discovery was made by Kenshu Shimada and his team at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
A new study finds that steelhead trout hatchery fish differ from wild fish at the DNA level after one generation of culture. The research identified over 700 genes with changed activity levels, showcasing substantial and rapid genetic changes.
UM Rosenstiel School researchers found that fish larvae swam on a 15 percent straighter course and seven percent faster when in groups. This group orientation behavior is thought to be beneficial for reducing predation and detecting food, a phenomenon previously observed only in adult fish.
Researchers discovered that Atlantic molly fish have a two-pronged approach to survival: becoming inert to toxins and detoxifying hydrogen sulfide more efficiently. This allows them to thrive in water with high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to most forms of life.
Researchers found that about 170 of the extremophilic fish's genes were turned on to detoxify and remove hydrogen sulfide, a toxic compound in their environment. This discovery opens doors to new insights into evolutionary processes, adaptations, and potential biomedical applications.
A new study found that motorboat noise increases stress levels in young coral reef fish, making them more vulnerable to predators. The team recommends creating marine quiet zones or buffer areas to mitigate this effect and protect the marine environment.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of peer-reviewed articles to find that fish populations worldwide are contaminated with industrial and agricultural pollutants. However, pollutant concentrations have been consistently dropping over the last 30 years.
A new study published in Nature Communications estimates that 32 million metric tons of fish are caught unreported every year, obscuring a decline in the total catch. The study, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia, attributes the discrepancy to inadequate data collection on artisanal and subsistence fishing.
A new study by scientists from the University of Chicago reveals that the unique pectoral fins of skates and rays are built using repurposed genes from typical limb-development pathways. The findings provide insight into the genetic mechanisms behind the evolution and diversification of vertebrate appendages.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that cichlid fish can accurately recognize individuals using facial color patterns, requiring longer viewing distances for unfamiliar faces than familiar ones. Fish demonstrated rapid discrimination between familiar and unfamiliar individuals, with recognition times under 0.5 seconds.
Researchers found that certain fish species exhibit lower polarization contrast with their backgrounds, making them harder to spot. The platelets in these fish align on vertical axes to reflect downward-directed light and diffuse horizontal-axis light, providing enhanced camouflage abilities.
Researchers found that when damselfish release chemical alarm cues on coral reefs, additional predators are attracted, allowing prey a greater chance of escape. This mechanism boosts the sender's survival rate by about 40 percent.
A new method estimates fish movements using ocean heat content images, revealing detailed movements not apparent with surface temperature data. The analysis shows large migratory fishes have affinities for ocean fronts and eddies, similar to hurricanes.
Researchers found that mangrove rivulus fish rapidly lose body temperature by jumping out of water and onto solid ground, where evaporation cools them down. The study, led by the University of Guelph team, also showed that these fish can tolerate warmer waters better after being exposed to higher temperatures for a week.
A team of researchers discovered that fishes' jaw protrusion ability is a relatively new trait, appearing only in the last 100 million years of their 400-million-year history. This finding suggests that the evolution of jaw protrusion played a crucial role in the success of spiny-rayed fishes.
A new study found that climate change is altering the distributions of young and adult fish in the Northeast U.S. Larval stages of 43% of species shifted distribution, while adult stages of 50% also changed, often moving northwards or along the shelf. These changes have significant implications for fisheries management.
A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.
A pooled analysis of available evidence finds that eating a lot of fish may help curb the risk of depression in Europe. The association is equally significant among men and women, with a 17% reduction in depression risk found for those eating the most fish compared to those eating the least.
A new study by WCS found that coral reef diversity 'hotspots' in the southwestern Indian Ocean prioritize fish biomass over location for conservation. Reefs with high fish biomass (>600 kg/ha) should be prioritized for protection.
A team of researchers used DNA barcoding to accurately identify over 13,000 fish eggs collected from the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. The study provides a detailed picture of fish spawning patterns and creates a baseline for assessing future changes in spawning due to climate change.
New research from Wake Forest University reveals little difference in the force delivered by archerfish's water jets to targets at different distances. In a surprising twist, fish prefer closer targets when given the choice, likely due to time constraints for prey capture.
A James Cook University study found that redthroat emperor fish retreat to deeper water in response to warmer temperatures. The species, commercially important for fisheries, may need to be redirected due to the shift in their habitat.