FISH 611 ECOLOGY OF FISHES

This course is aimed at providing an understanding on fish ecology. It will examine the biotic and abiotic factors that affect fishes, weather and upwelling as environmental determinants of fish abundance in inshore waters; Biotic interactions of fishes (parasitism, predation, competition, mutualism etc.); Adaptive features (morphological, behavioural and physiological) for spawning, growth, survival and distribution of fishes; Trophic categories of fishes; Morphological/anatomical adaptations for feeding; The structure of fish communities (food chains, food webs); Energy budget of fishes; Life history strategies Fish assemblages; Impact of fishing on the aquatic ecosystem; Fish reactions and vulnerability to gear; Fish migration; Man and fish ecology.