Fish

Study Reveals Evolutionary History of Imperiled Salmon Stocks

New technologies for analyzing DNA may transform how imperiled species are considered and managed for conservation protection, according to a study published today in the journal Science Advances and led by the University of California, Davis.

The social eating habits of fish may play a central role in protecting coral reefs, according to a study from the University of California, Davis, published April 10 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Fish provide a critical service for coral reefs by eating algae that can kill coral and dominate reefs if left unchecked. The study, which analyzed the social feeding behavior of reef fish, suggests that overfishing not only removes vital algae-eaters, but it may cause remaining fish to eat less.

Researchers find salt-tolerant gene in tilapia

Most fish live either in freshwater or saltwater, but others, including tilapia, have the remarkable ability to physiologically adjust to varying salinity levels — a trait that may be critically important as climate change begins to alter the salinity of ocean and coastal waters as well as the water in desert lakes and creeks.

Reef fish that conquer fear of sharks may help control excess algae.

If there was a top-rated restaurant in a dangerous part of the city, chances are some brave souls would be willing to risk it all for a delicious meal.

So it goes with coral reef fish dining on algae in French Polynesia, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.

What can we learn from a fish that adapts quickly to lethal levels of pollution?

Evolution is working hard to rescue some urban fish from a lethal, human-altered environment, according to a study led by the University of California, Davis, and published Dec. 9 in the journal Science.

Research on the Shasta River and in the Central Valley creates new knowledge to help iconic species

The rivers and streams of northern and central California once teemed with millions of salmon, mostly Chinook and Coho. But these fish are in trouble—many salmon runs are listed as either threatened or endangered. A few scientists even predict the demise of wild salmon in the Central Valley by the year 2100.

UC Davis research studies look at the impact of climate change and what can be done to mitigate the damage.

Using Science to Save Wildlife Facing Extinction

UC Davis scientists don’t just study animals. Often, they save them. They’re putting on gloves to carefully wash gooey oil from sea birds’ wings. They’re breeding Amargosa voles after their desert habitat dried up. They’re following mountain lions into the hills of Southern California to track their genetic decline and overall health.