Articles tagged with Marine Fishes
A new analysis reveals megalodon's ability to regulate its body temperature, with temperatures up to 13°F warmer than surrounding water. This suggests the shark was warm-blooded and had an evolutionary advantage that may have contributed to its extinction.
Researchers estimate that gray whales off the Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day, primarily from zooplankton and fish. The study suggests that these high loads of microfibers may be affecting the health and behavior of the whales, with potential consequences for their populations.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that the Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, with a body temperature estimated at around 27°C. This discovery provides empirical evidence for the extinct species' internal heat production, shedding light on its biology and ecological role.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
Teleost fishes have developed distinct ways to generate heat, with mackerel tuna utilizing muscle differentiation and sailfish relying on ATP decomposition. These findings suggest that organisms adapt to achieve endothermy through different pathways, maximizing existing biological foundations.
The study reveals significant declines in fish species, particularly sharks and rays, linked to human impacts. Archaeological analysis provides insight into lost environments and informs conservation baselines.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that polar fish reproduce later and produce more eggs than tropical fish, confirming model predictions. As a result, polar fishes tend to produce more eggs than tropical fishes.
Coral reef fish larvae undergo significant physiological changes as they transition from open ocean swimming to settling on the reef floor. The study found that gene activity changes play a crucial role in adapting to hypoxic environments at night, allowing the fish to survive and thrive.
A study by McGill University and University of British Columbia found that the planet's biomass is concentrated in organisms at either end of the size spectrum. The researchers discovered a universal upper limit for maximum body size across multiple species and environments, with similar sizes reached by trees, fish, and other organisms.
Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
Harmful fisheries subsidies support fishing in waters outside jurisdictions of their home nation, impacting developing countries and the environment. These subsidies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to food insecurity and economic dependence on fishing.
A new article in Science challenges the notion that fish growth slows down when they spawn. Research by Dr. Pauly and Dr. Froese found that fish actually grow faster after reproducing, as their energy is redirected towards other activities. The study also notes that reproduction does not impact growth in mammals.
Researchers recorded and identified mating and feeding sounds of 21 ocean species, including those influenced by the moon. The study's findings will contribute to the development of the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds (GLUBS), an open-access online platform for monitoring changes in marine environments.
A study found that more than 70% of Chinook populations have declined over the last 50 years, but some populations are recovering due to their diverse migration and spawning strategies. Cold water and marine habitats play a key role in their success, particularly for fall and summer stocks.
Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.
During Hawaii's COVID lockdown, researchers found that species displaced by human presence moved back into shallow habitats, increasing fish biomass and predator populations. However, when tourism resumed, predators returned to deeper waters, reducing biomass and habitat use to pre-pandemic levels.
A toolkit for coral gardening could accelerate reef recovery in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Maritechture TM system includes tiles, stackable crates, and coral pods to create artificial reefs that attract natural coral settlement.
A recent study on the pike icefish revealed significant genetic changes as it migrated from Antarctic to temperate waters. The researchers found divergent genes associated with the physiology that needed to change in response to the new environment, including mutations in the antifreeze glycoprotein gene.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.
Research shows that young black rockfish grown faster during a marine heat wave, while also experiencing varying levels of survival. Moderate growth rates and sufficient food led to the highest survival rates.
A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.
A University of British Columbia study suggests that jellyfish size can influence their nutritional value. The researchers found that larger jellyfish tend to have higher levels of healthy fats, making them potentially more nutritious.
A new study shows that reversing evolutionary changes in fish stocks like cod can be profitable and help conserve natural genetic diversity. With century-long planning horizons, evolutionary decline can be reversed without significantly reducing profits.
A new study assesses DNA metabarcoding's performance in identifying fish eggs on the West Florida Shelf, highlighting its value for long-term monitoring of spawning sites and habitats. The technique can identify multiple species from a single sample, but may introduce biases by excluding rare species.
Researchers found that mesophotic reefs differ from shallower counterparts, suggesting a strong ecological filter between depths. The study highlights the need to expand marine protections for coral reefs beyond shallow waters, emphasizing the unique biodiversity and vulnerability of deeper ecosystems.
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
Researchers found that current anti-predator gear can reduce clam mortality by four- to tenfold, with double-layered treatments showing the highest survival rates. However, rays were still capable of interacting with the gear for prolonged periods, potentially diverting them from other natural habitats.
Researchers suggest that returning to spawn at different ages can lessen the impact of a bad year and increase population stability for Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon. Changes in hatchery practices and fishery management could help restore the age structure of the population, making it more resilient to climate change.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
Aquaculture can help restore ecosystems by removing excess nutrients and promoting biodiversity. Conservationists are using aquaculture techniques to create healthy habitats for marine species, including shellfish reefs and fish populations.
The researchers designed the robot to mimic the movement of flippers in water and centipedes on land, resulting in impressive speeds of 1.5 body lengths per second on land and 0.74 body lengths per second in water. The amphibious robot has potential applications in search and rescue, marine agriculture, and fish feeding.
A new Yale study reveals that fish species diversify most rapidly in colder climates at higher latitudes where they can transition between shallow and deep waters. However, climate change is expected to impede this process, posing a threat to the high biodiversity found in tropical waters.
A 250.8 million-year-old fossil find reveals complex marine ecosystems on Earth just one million years after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, contradicting long-held theories. The discovery provides insights into life's rapid recovery from extreme crises and necessitates a re-evaluation of early Triassic ocean conditions.
Researchers from Portugal and Cape Verde discover a unique shark nursery in the Sal Rey bay on Boa Vista island, home to juveniles of several endangered species. The area is crucial for shark conservation and also protects marine mammals and turtles, highlighting the importance of its protection.
A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.
Research from Virginia Tech reveals that shark populations are recovering in northern Atlantic waters where regulations have been put in place. This is a promising conservation success story for vulnerable species.
Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.
A study found that mesopelagic fishes, including lanternfishes, shrink in size with climate warming. Body sizes decreased by 35% during the interglacial period, affecting the ocean's ability to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A new study reveals that fishes in the deep ocean are likely to decrease in size with climate warming, which could have significant ecological effects. Researchers analyzed ancient fish otoliths to track changes in body size over glacial and interglacial periods.
A study of preserved fish specimens reveals a 140-year decline in parasite populations due to warming oceans. Parasites with multiple host species declined severely, threatening ecosystems and top apex predators. The study highlights the vulnerability of parasites to climate change and inspires further research.
Scientists found that invasive black rats transform reef fish behavior, causing changes in territorial patterns and nutrient cycles. The presence of rats disrupts the nutrient cycle by reducing seabird populations and nutrients deposited onto islands.
A recent study by Lancaster University found that coral bleaching events alter the behavior of butterflyfish, making it harder for them to recognize competitor species. This change leads to poorer decision-making, resulting in wasted energy and increased aggression.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that the sharpsnout seabream's mortality during early life stages has a genetic basis. The research analyzed genomic data from recruits and survivors of the species, finding associations with birth time, sea surface temperature, and growth rate. The results suggest that genetics plays a cru...
Researchers analyzed fossil bed in Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park to determine cause of mass extinction. They found evidence that ichthyosaurs died due to migration, not mass stranding or environmental toxins.
Researchers from University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that fish larvae use external directional cues for orientation, contrary to previous assumption that they rely on internal cues. This discovery offers insights into understanding marine fish dispersal, protected areas and population connectivity.
Research reveals distinct genetic groups of sand lance, a crucial forage fish, with different genome regions on chromosomes 21 and 24. The findings indicate that temperature-driven currents create genetic barriers, affecting population connectivity and survival.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Institute found that Florida pompano larvae can be grown in salinities as low as 10 parts per thousand without adverse effects. The study showed that growth, fatty acid profiles, and transcriptome responses were normal across different salinities.
Research published in Nature Food suggests that small pelagic fish like herring and sardines are abundant and affordable sources of nutrients, particularly selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. The study found that these fish could help close nutritional gaps in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found that small pelagic fish such as herring and sardines are the cheapest nutritious fish in 72% of low- and middle-income countries. These fish can help close nutrient gaps, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where deficiencies are rising.
Researchers found that small pelagic fish, such as herring and sardines, are a cheap source of nutritious seafood. These fish can provide essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to vulnerable populations in low-income countries.
A study explores the link between shark nose shape, size, and sensitivity of smell. The researchers found that more lamellae in rosettes with an elongated shape are associated with increased odor sensitivity.
Researchers found that a device called SharkGuard emits small electrical pulses to scare off sharks, reducing bycatch by up to 91% for blue sharks and 71% for stingrays. Further testing is needed to explore the effects on target species like bluefin tuna.
A new study reports that SharkGuard, a shark deterrent device, significantly reduces the number of blue sharks and pelagic stingrays caught in tuna fisheries. The technology emits a localized electric field around a baited hook, discouraging sharks from biting without getting hooked on other fish.
An interdisciplinary team will uncover complex biological systems and develop tools to globally document coral reef health changes. The research aims to understand how herbivory rate at the ecosystem scale emerges and shapes the ecosystem, ultimately informing management of ecosystems.
An international team of researchers found evidence of cooked fish remains at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological site in Israel, dating back approximately 780,000 years. This discovery predates previous knowledge by about 600,000 years and sheds light on the evolution of cooking techniques.
A study found widespread occurrence of microplastics in Monterey Bay water and in the digestive tracts of anchovies and common murres. The researchers discovered that almost a quarter of the examined murres had particles exhibiting estrogenic activity, potentially disrupting hormone functions.
Researchers developed a global indicator to measure marine biodiversity based on extinct fish populations, revealing worsening extinction risk since the 1950s. Implementing management measures can reduce fishing mortality and recover tunas and billfishes, but sharks continue to face threats due to overfishing.
Researchers at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found an upward trend in skate populations in the North Sea, with a significant increase off Scotland's north coast. The study also revealed that skates mainly eat shrimp, providing ecological potential for more fish to thrive.