FISH 437: Fish Physiology

Introduction and scope of fish physiology. Internal environment and composition of body fluids. Osmotic and ionic regulation water and salt balance, kidney structure and function.  Functional adaptations to environmental change. Vascular transport and gaseous exchange - the heart and the cardiac cycle, respiratory organs, air-breathing fishes, transport of respiratory gases.  Introduction to fish nutrition. Bioenergetics and metabolism (digestion and absorption). Fish locomotion Effect of changes in pressure and depth on fishes. Colouration in fishes. Sensory systems.  Fish reproduction. Endocrine systems - pituitary hormones, non-pituitary endocrine functions.