Marine Fishes
Articles tagged with Marine Fishes
Anglers and scientists partner to study British Columbia’s salmon food chain
How the Atlantic herring adapted to the brackish water of the Baltic Sea
A new study reveals that four specific genes are crucial for the Atlantic herring's adaptation to low salinity in the Baltic Sea. The genes, expressed in sperm, eggs, and early embryos, enable the fish to reproduce successfully in brackish water.
Sharks may help improve climate forecasts, study finds
A new study demonstrates that animal-borne sensors, such as those on tagged sharks, can enhance ocean forecast accuracy in regions with limited observational data. By incorporating shark-collected temperature and depth data into a seasonal climate model, forecast errors decreased substantially, particularly in coastal and shelf regions.
Warm-bodied sharks and tunas face “double jeopardy” in warming seas – new research
Research reveals warm-bodied fish like sharks and tunas burn nearly four times more energy than cold-blooded counterparts, exacerbating the impact of warming oceans. As a result, these species are facing an increasing risk of overheating and habitat loss.
Triple threat as sharks, beach nourishment and murky waters collide
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
Fish "steals" glowing protein: genome sequencing proves unique survival strategy
Researchers confirm Parapriacanthus ransonneti lacks luciferase gene, instead relies on ingested proteins to produce bioluminescence. This unique adaptation represents a form of kleptoproteinism with potential applications in drug delivery systems.
Mutant clownfish reveals how nature draws boundaries
Researchers have uncovered a gene responsible for the unusual patterning in Snowflake clownfish, which has provided key clues toward solving the mystery of biological organization. The study suggests that a universal framework for studying pattern formation across species exists.
40 migratory animal species receive new or upgraded protection at close of UN meeting in Brazil
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
Removing just 15 females of these sharks each year could threaten the entire population
Removal of just 15 females from thresher shark populations annually could lead to population decline and even extinction. The study used stereo videography to monitor the population and found fragility in their behavior.
FAU-FWC Study: Endangered smalltooth sawfish make a comeback in a historical Florida nursery
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
Bull sharks have ‘friends’
Researchers found that bull sharks have active social preferences and choose their social partners, similar to humans. The study revealed that adult sharks form the core of the social network, while younger sharks are less socially connected.
Genetic mapping of Baltic Sea herring important for sustainable fishing
A new study by Stockholm University researchers reveals distinct populations of Baltic Sea herring with varying levels of genetic adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity in managing herring populations and suggest that current fishing practices may be detrimental to local populations.
Vertebrate paleontology has a numbers problem. Computer vision can help
A new study finds that fewer than 250 fossils are required to train an image-based AI algorithm, a significant improvement on previously thought numbers. The discovery could greatly speed up the identification process in vertebrate paleontology, where most fossils are fragmented and difficult to analyze.
Research confirms that ocean warming causes an annual decline in fish biomass of up to 19.8%
A new study reveals that ocean warming is driving a nearly 20% annual decline in fish biomass, with extreme marine heatwaves sometimes masking this trend. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation and long-term planning in fisheries management to address the ongoing rise in temperature.
Social pressure forces baby clownfish to lose their bars faster
A new study reveals that the presence of older fish accelerates bar loss in young tomato anemonefish, a process linked to social hierarchy and environmental adaptability. The researchers suggest this may be an insurance policy against invasion, with younger fish losing their bars as they are accepted into the group.
Global shark bites return to average in 2025, with a smaller proportion in the United States
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
White sharks vs. killer whales: White sharks not always fearful of killer whales
A study led by Flinders University found that white shark absences from South Australia's Neptune Islands were not solely driven by killer whale predation. The researchers recorded six prolonged absences over 12 years, with only one coinciding with killer whale presence.
Twilight fish study reveals unique hybrid eye cells
Researchers discovered a unique photoreceptor cell that optimizes vision in low-light conditions, combining the benefits of both cone and rod cells. This finding has potential applications in developing more efficient cameras and medical treatments for eye conditions such as glaucoma.
Urban light pollution alters nighttime hormones in sharks, study shows
Artificial light from coastal cities can alter melatonin levels in wild sharks, particularly resident species. The study found that nurse sharks exposed to higher artificial light had lower melatonin concentrations compared to darker environments.
Fish face smaller meals due to warmer seas and fishing
Researchers found that warmer waters and commercial fishing lead to smaller meals for predators, resulting in reduced energy intake. This can weaken predators and make marine ecosystems more fragile. The study suggests managing climate change and fisheries together is essential to protect marine food webs.
Atlantic nurse sharks show faster growth patterns in Biscayne Bay than nearby Bimini, Bahamas
A new study reveals significant differences in growth patterns between nurse sharks off the coast of Miami and those living just across the Gulf Stream. The research found that juvenile nurse sharks in Biscayne Bay grow more rapidly and reach smaller maximum sizes than their counterparts in Bimini, Bahamas.
FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.
Allowing coral reef fish stocks recover could feed millions
Rebuilding coral reef fisheries can help fight global hunger and improve nutrition by increasing sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%. Countries with higher malnutrition indexes can benefit most from recovered reef fish stocks, which could provide enough servings for several million people annually.
Lemon shark caught preying on invasive freshwater fish in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Researchers recorded lemon sharks preying on jaguar cichlids, an invasive species introduced to Fernando de Noronha, in Sueste Bay. The bay's saltwater environment allows for the interaction due to freshwater inflows after heavy rains. This observation suggests that sharks may play a role in controlling invasive species populations.
New deep-learning tool can tell if your salmon is wild or farmed
A new deep-learning tool can rapidly identify wild and farmed salmon by analyzing fish scales, with 95% accuracy. This technology has the potential to mitigate the ecological impact of escaped farmed salmon on wild populations.
Oldest modern shark mega-predator swam off Australia during the age of dinosaurs
A team of international scientists reconstructed size evolution in ancient sharks using interdisciplinary analysis. The study revealed that modern sharks experimented with enormous body sizes much earlier in their evolutionary history than previously suspected.
How fishes of the deep sea have evolved into different shapes
Research found that deep-sea pelagic fish exhibit a wider range of body types, while benthic species tend towards elongated, tapered shapes. The study suggests that ocean depth and environmental conditions drive evolutionary changes in fish body shape.
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.
Orcas seen killing young great white sharks by flipping them upside-down
Researchers observed orcas in the Gulf of California targeting juvenile great white sharks, flipping them to induce tonic immobility and extract nutrient-rich livers. The orca pod's hunting technique suggests advanced intelligence and social learning, allowing them to adapt to changing shark nursery areas.
Angling best practices are essential to promote shark survival
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that most sharks in UK waters survive catch-and-release fishing when angling best practices are followed. The study tracked the behaviour and survival of over 70 blue, porbeagle, and tope sharks caught in recreational fishing in the British Isles.
Global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys significantly expand known geographic and ecological niche ranges of marine fish, highlighting current biases in conservation and ecological modeling
Researchers used global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to map marine fish species' geographic ranges. These findings highlight current biases in conservation efforts and ecological models.
Survival of the blandest: Unusual sharks face highest extinction risk
Research found that sharks with specialized physiologies and ecological roles are most threatened with extinction. Losing these species would diminish trait diversity, leading to a more boring world with less diversity of forms. The study suggests that overfishing is the single biggest driver of shark population decline.
Researchers ‘zoom’ in for an ultra-magnified peek at shark skin
A recent study published in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that bonnethead sharks' skin undergoes significant changes as they mature, with younger sharks having fewer ridges on their denticles. These changes likely improve swimming performance and protect the skin from predators or injuries.
Lessons from Ascension’s shark troubles could help boost conservation
A new study on Ascension Island's shark troubles has found that human attitudes towards interactions with sharks can drive global decline in shark numbers. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter and ZSL, interviewed islanders about their perceptions of sharks and human-shark conflict.
Losing Nemo: Almost all aquarium fish in the US are caught in the wild
A study found that 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by online retailers in the US come from wild populations, primarily in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The reliance on wild capture threatens coral reef ecosystems and puts endangered species at risk of extinction.
Sharks, rays, chimaeras further threatened by deep-sea mining
Thirty species of sharks, rays, and chimaeras are at risk due to deep-sea mining, which can harm their habitats and disrupt ecosystems. The study recommends establishing monitoring programs, creating protected areas, and including these species in environmental impact assessments to mitigate the risks.
FAU awarded US EPA grant to integrate genetics in Florida bay sponge restoration
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
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.
Decoding a decade of grouper grunts unlocks spawning secrets, shifts
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 hours of underwater recordings to detect subtle shifts in red hind spawning behavior and population dynamics. The study found a notable shift in the balance of mating calls over the 12-year period, with calls linked to competition becoming dominant.
Study finds critically endangered sharks being sold as food in U.S. grocery stores
A new study reveals that 93% of shark meat products in the US are ambiguously labeled and may contain meat from critically endangered species. The findings highlight a need for stronger regulations and oversight of seafood labeling practices to protect consumers and conserve shark populations.
Reproductive flexibility in sharks and rays complicates conservation predictions
A new study reveals that sharks and rays adjust their growth and reproduction in response to changing food availability, affecting population growth and recovery. This flexibility makes it challenging to predict species' responses to pressures like overfishing and environmental change.
Ghost sharks grow forehead teeth to help them have sex
Male ghost sharks have a unique forehead appendage with retractable teeth, which are likely used to grasp females during mating. Genetic and fossil evidence confirms the teeth's origin from oral teeth, demonstrating an extraordinary example of tooth development and evolution.
Can clownfish adapt to rising sea temperatures?
Researchers at OIST identified biological processes that support young clownfish adaptation to climate change and warming seas. Exposing juvenile fish to raised water temperatures showed significant changes in liver and pancreas, reducing insulin secretion and increasing oxidative phosphorylation.
Nearly 80% of whale sharks in this marine tourism hotspot have human-caused scars
A recent study found that 62% of whale sharks in the Bird's Head Seascape off Indonesian West Papua have scars and injuries from preventable human causes. Simple interventions, such as modifying traditional fishing platforms and boat designs, could greatly lessen this burden on the local population.
When sharks lose their bite
Research found that shark teeth become more brittle in acidic water, leading to increased breakage and potential loss of bite. The study suggests that sharks may struggle to adapt to changing ocean pH levels, which could have cascading effects on ecosystems.
‘Built for cutting flesh, not resisting acidity’: sharks may be losing deadly teeth to ocean acidification
Researchers found that sharks' teeth become structurally weaker and more prone to break in acidic oceans. The study suggests that even small damage can have significant effects on these apex predators.
Sliteye shark discovered in remote Indian Ocean -- First-ever sighting in Chagos Archipelago
Researchers have recorded the sliteye shark for the first time on the Great Chagos Bank, highlighting the ecological importance of the archipelago's Marine Protected Area. The discovery provides new insights into deepwater seagrass habitats and their role in supporting marine biodiversity.
On-board camera footage offers bird’s eye glimpse into seabird flights and feeding behaviour
Researchers captured unique footage of Indian Ocean seabirds catching flying fish in mid-air using lightweight cameras. The study showed that these birds exploit windy conditions to conserve energy while hunting, suggesting a possible adaptation to patchy food sources.
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.
Deep-sea fish confirmed as a significant source of ocean carbonate
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science reveals that deep-dwelling mesopelagic fish excrete carbonate minerals at rates comparable to shallow-water species. This finding validates previous global models suggesting that marine fish are major contributors to biogenic carbonate pr...
Novel nanostructures in blue sharks reveal their remarkable potential for dynamic colour-change
Researchers discovered a unique nanostructure in blue shark skin that produces their iconic blue coloration, which also suggests a potential capacity for color change. Tiny changes in guanine crystal spacing can alter the shark's body color to suit its environment.
New study points to Skagerrak as nursery area for the enigmatic Greenland shark
A new international study reveals that Skagerrak likely serves as a nursery area for young Greenland sharks, contrary to common associations with Arctic waters. The research also confirms that newborn sharks are born in undisturbed deep-sea areas near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, south of Iceland.
"Shrinking" cod: how humans have altered the genetic make-up of fish
A study reveals that decades of overfishing have significantly altered the genetic composition of Eastern Baltic cod, leading to reduced growth rates and smaller sizes. The researchers found a correlation between slower growth and increased survival under high fishing pressure.
Loss of hard chorion: An evolutionary dead-end for parental egg-care fish
A comparative whole genome analysis of 240 fish species found a strong correlation between loss of the chorion-hardening system and parental egg-care. The team's findings suggest that the loss of key genes, such as alveolin, contributes to this evolutionary bias.
An evolutionary trade-off has limited how fish catch their prey
A study found that fish face a trade-off between tooth size and jaw mobility, restricting their ability to catch fast-swimming prey. Fish with larger teeth use rapid bursts of swimming to close in on prey, while those with extendible jaws rely on suction forces.
Groundbreaking study maps the movements of marine megafauna
A global research team tracked over 100 species of marine animals, revealing key migration patterns and hotspots critical for conservation. The study, MegaMove, uses satellite data to inform a new blueprint for ocean conservation, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation efforts.
Sharks rarely seen together may be up for sharing a meal too good to miss
Researchers documented an unusual feeding aggregation of oceanic whitetip and tiger sharks scavenging concurrently on a carcass off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The study reveals that despite their different habitats, these shark species can peacefully coexist and establish a social hierarchy.
Shrinking Nemo: Clownfish survive heatwaves by shrinking
Clownfish have been shown to shrink in response to heat stress and social conflict, increasing their survival chances by up to 78%. The study also reveals that coordination with breeding partners is crucial for surviving heatwaves when shrinking.
Chip-shop fish among key seabed engineers
Research shows fish species like Atlantic cod and hagfish contribute significantly to seabed ecosystem health. Bioturbation impacts on organic carbon storage and greenhouse gas absorption are crucial for understanding ocean's role in climate change.