This book is designed as both a reference and a handbook for the study of fishes. It is a source of methods commonly used to research fish genetics, systematics, anatomy, physiology, developmental biology, toxicology, behavior, and ecology. Standard methods and their theoretical framework are presented for all these fields. Each of the book's 20 chapters also contains a background literature review which, though not exhaustive, allows readers to delve more deeply into subjects that particularly interest them. The main emphasis is on methodology, but the pros and cons of alternative procedures also are treated, as are the uses and misuses of data generated by the techniques.
The foundation of quantitative genetics theory was developed during the last century and facilitated many successful breeding programs for cultivated plants and t- restrial livestock. The results have been almost universally impressive, and today nearly all agricultural production utilises genetically improved seed and animals. The aquaculture industry can learn a great deal from these experiences, because the basic theory behind selective breeding is the same for all species. The ?rst published selection experiments in aquaculture started in 1920 s to improve disease resistance in ?sh, but it was not before the 1970 s that the ?rst family based breeding program was initiated for Atlantic salmon in Norway by AKVAFORSK. Unfortunately, the subsequent implementation of selective breeding on a wider scale in aquaculture has been slow, and despite the dramatic gains that have been demonstrated in a number of species, less than 10% of world aquaculture production is currently based on improved stocks. For the long-term sustainability of aquaculture production, there is an urgent need to develop and implement e- cient breeding programs for all species under commercial production. The ability for aquaculture to successfully meet the demands of an ever increasing human p- ulation, will rely on genetically improved stocks that utilise feed, water and land resources in an ef?cient way. Technological advances like genome sequences of aquaculture species, and advanced molecular methods means that there are new and exciting prospects for building on these well-established methods into the future.
Fish recruitment is a key process for maintaining sustainable fish populations. In the marine environment, fish recruitment is carried out in many different ways, all of which have different life history strategies. The objective of this book is to argue for greater linkages between basic and applied research on fisheries recruitment, and assessment and management of exploited fish stocks. Following an introductory chapter, this second edition of Fish Reproductive Biology is organized into 3 main sections: Biology, Population Dynamics and Recruitment Information Critical to Successful Assessment and Management Incorporation of Reproductive Biology and Recruitment Considerations into Management Advice and Strategies The authors collectively bring a wide range of diverse experience in areas of reproductive biology, fisheries oceanography, stock assessment, and management. Fully updated throughout, the book will be of great interest to a wide audience. It is useful as a textbook in graduate and undergraduate courses in fisheries biology, fisheries science, and fisheries resource management and will provide vital information for fish biologists, fisheries scientists and managers.
Biology and Physiology of Freshwater Neotropical Fish is the all-inclusive guide to fish species prevalent in the neotropical realm. It provides the most updated systematics, classification, anatomical, behavioral, genetic, and functioning systems information on freshwater neotropical fish species. This book begins by analyzing the differences in phylogeny, anatomy, and behaviour of neotropical fish. Systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, reproductive, muscular, and endocrine are described in detail. This book also looks at the effects of stress on fish immune systems, and how color and pigmentation play into physiology and species differentiation. Biology and Physiology of Freshwater Neotropical Fish is a must-have for fish biologists and zoologists. Students in zoology, ichthyology, and fish farming will also find this book useful for its coverage of some of the world's rarest and least-known fish species. - Features chapters written by top neotropical fish researchers and specialists - Discusses environmental effects on neotropical fishes, including climate change and pollution - Details the phylogenetic occurrence of electroreceptors and electric organs in fish
Cellular and Molecular Approaches in Fish Biology is a highly interdisciplinary resource to bring industry professionals, students and researchers up-to-date with the latest developments and information on fish biology research combining a historical overview of the different research areas in fish biology and detailed descriptions of cellular and molecular approaches with explanations and recommendations for research. The book presents a global perspective of each research area with detailed analytical methodologies on the cellular and molecular mechanisms within fish biology for expermentation. The book provides different points of view on how researchers have addressed timely issues, while describing and dissecting some of the new experimental/analytical approaches used to answer the key questions at cellular and molecular levels, making this a valuable resource to those in industry and academia as well as those entering the field. - Provides detailed descriptions of each research approach, highlighting the tricks of the trade for its effective and successful application - Includes the latest developments in fish reproduction, fish development and nutrition, fish welfare, fish immunology, ecology and biomedics - Presents hot topics of research such as genetics, transcriptomics and epigenetics
Learn to maximize tilapia production in different areas around the world Tilapia is the second-most cultured fish species in the world, and its production is increasing each year. However, for several reasons profit margins remain slim. Tilapia: Biology, Culture, and Nutrition presents respected international experts detailing every aspect of tilapia production around the world. Biology, breeding and larval rearing, farming techniques, feeding issues, post-harvest technology, and industry economics are clearly presented. This concise yet extensive reference provides the latest research and practical information to efficiently and economically maximize production in diverse locales, conditions, and climates. Tilapia: Biology, Culture, and Nutrition comprehensively explores all types of tilapia with a detailed biologic description of the fish that takes readers from egg through harvesting. The book authoritatively discusses production issues such as feed nutrition, temperature, water quality, parasites, and disease control to guide readers on how to best encourage fast, efficient growth. Economic and marketing information are examined, including industry data and projections by country. Each chapter approaches a specific facet of tilapia and provides the most up-to-date research available in that area. This resource gives the most current, detailed information needed for effective tilapia farming in one compact economical volume. Extensively referenced with an abundance of clear, helpful tables, photographs, and figures. Tilapia: Biology, Culture, and Nutrition discusses in detail: complete biology, including sex ratios, optimum temperatures for growth and spawning, water quality parameters, and disease tolerance industry predictions hormonal control of growth genetic improvement sex determination, manipulation, and control seed production culture practices earthen and lined pond production culture in flowing water cage culture feed formulation and processing, and feeding management soil, water, and effluent quality saline tolerance levels with optimum rate of acclimation to seawater polyculture of tilapia with shrimp bottom soil conditions nutrient requirements with non-nutrient components parasites and diseases Tilapia: Biology, Culture, and Nutrition is essential reading for aquaculturists, nutritionists, geneticists, hatchery managers, feed formulators, feed mill operators, extension specialists, tilapia growers, fish farmers/producers, educators, disease specialists, aquaculture veterinarians, policy makers, educators, and students.
Genomics in Aquaculture is a concise, must-have reference that describes current advances within the field of genomics and their applications to aquaculture. Written in an accessible manner for anyone—non-specialists to experts alike—this book provides in-depth coverage of genomics spanning from genome sequencing, to transcriptomics and proteomics. It provides, for ease of learning, examples from key species most relevant to current intensive aquaculture practice. Its coverage of minority species that have a specific biological interest (e.g., Pleuronectiformes) makes this book useful for countries that are developing such species. It is a robust, practical resource that covers foundational, functional, and applied aspects of genomics in aquaculture, presenting the most current information in a field of research that is rapidly growing. - Provides the latest scientific methods and technologies to maximize efficiencies for healthy fish production, with summary tables for quick reference - Offers an extended glossary of technical and methodological terms to help readers better understand key biological concepts - Describes state-of-the-art technologies, such as transcriptomics and epigenomics, currently under development for future perspective of the field - Covers minority species that have a specific biological interest (e.g., Pleuronectiformes), making the book useful to countries developing such species
Annual Fishes: Life History Strategy, Diversity, and Evolution is the first comprehensive reference on current knowledge of diverse species that exhibit unique survival strategies and provide important models for basic and applied research. This work fills a void, covering the life cycle, reproductive biology, evolutionary ecology, reproductive beh
Stimulating and thought-provoking, this important new text looks at the welfare problems and philosophical and ethical issues that are caused by changes made to an animal's telos, behaviour and physiology, both positive and negative, to make them more productive or adapted for human uses. These changes may involve selective breeding for production, appearance traits, or competitive advantage in sport, transgenic animals or the use of pharmaceuticals or hormones to enhance production or performance. Changes may impose duties to care for these animals further and more intensely, or they may make the animal more robust. The book considers a wide range of animals, including farm animals, companion animals and laboratory animals. It reviews the ethics and welfare issues of animals that have been adapted for sport, as companions, in work, as ornaments, food sources, guarding and a whole host of other human functions. This important new book sparks debate and is essential reading for all those involved in animal welfare and ethics, including veterinarians, animal scientists, animal welfare scientists and ethologists.
As aquatic predators since the Cretaceous period, Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, rays) and chimaeras, represent one of the oldest vertebrate groups, with very little morphological or physiological adaptations. Though they are remarkably ancient and praised as God-like creatures in some parts of the world, they are among the most feared in the public eye as a consequence of their negative portrayal throughout history. Unfortunately, as it is the case with many aquatic species, in recent years climate change and anthropogenic pressures such as food competition, pollution, and habitat degradation have significantly threatened their populations. On top of this, having low fecundity, late sexual maturation and slow growth rates as well as their opportunistic feeding behavior make them vulnerable to commercial fisheries even though, in most cases, they are not the target species. As a result, nowadays many species are endangered, some data-deficient or nearly extinct with the need for urgent knowledge for conservation actions. Producing science-based information on elasmobranchs and chimaeras is crucial for population sustainability, conservation and management actions. In this Research Topic, we invite author contributions on elasmobranchs and chimaeras biology and ecology (e.g., reproduction biology, feeding ecology, age and growth), distribution, migration and many other aspects to bring together this imperative knowledge to provide a base for conservation and management actions, locally or regionally.
