Ichthyology

Recommended Prerequisites

Biology of Marine Vertebrates; Marine Ecology.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical lessons will be presented using PowerPoint and oriented to stimulate the discussion and the development of critical thinking about the topics addressed. The practical classes will have laboratory and field components, related to the experimental design and biological sampling, identification of the main fish species of the Portuguese coast, and laboratory processing of the collected samples.

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge regarding different species of marine ichthyofauna, their distribution within the marine ecosystem, and respective adaptations. In this context, students will have the ability to integrate concepts of evolution, anatomy, physiology, and the life cycle development to better understand how marine fish species relate to the habitats they occupy throughout their life history. The course will also enable students to strengthen their skills in identifying key species and their main anatomical and morphological characteristics. In the end, students will have acquired knowledge of ichthyological research methodologies (including field and laboratory work) applicable in a professional environment for the development of technical and scientific work.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to ichthyology (history, national and international framework)
2. Morphology of ichthyofauna (form, constitution, function, morphological diversity)
3. External anatomy (detail and diversity of structures)
4. Internal anatomy (organs and their functions)
5. Physiology (osmoregulation, temperature regulation, respiration)
6. Biology and life cycles (growth, reproduction, migrations, habitat use)
7. Evolution and phylogeny (Ostracoderms, Acanthodians, Placoderms, Cyclostomes, Chondrichthyans, Sarcopterygians, Actinopterygians)
8. Taxonomy and systematics
9. Research methods in ichthyofauna

Head Lecturer(s)

Miguel Ângelo do Carmo Pardal

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Attendance: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

KH Andersen (2019). Fish Ecology, Evolution, and Exploitation: A New Theoretical Synthesis. ISBN 9780691176550. Princeton University Press.
AK Whitfield, KW Able, SJM Blaber, M. Elliott (2022). Fish and Fisheries in Estuaries: A Global Perspective.
ISBN:9781444336672. Wiley.
Burton & Burton (2017). Essential Fish Biology: Diversity, Structure, and Function. Oxford University Press.
Hickman et al (2020). Integrated Principles of Zoology, McGraw-Hill.
Martins & Carneiro (2018). Manual de Identificação de Peixes Ósseos da Costa Continental Portuguesa - Principais Caracterísitcas Diagnosticantes. IPMA
MJ Kaiser, MJ Attrill, S Jennings, D Thomas (2020). Marine Ecology - Processes, Systems, and Impacts. ISBN: 9780198717850. Oxford University Press.