Ichthyology

The student acquires knowledge and understanding of systematic classification, morphology, anatomy, physiology, and ethology of fishes. Also, he/she becomes familiar and learns to identify fish species occurring in the Greek seas. It is sought and rewarded the active participation of students and the development of creative dialogue with the teacher so that the student in addition to knowledge of specific terminology used in Ichthyology to gain critical thinking and understanding of the interdependence and interaction of morphology, physiology, and ethology of fish.

The compulsory participation in laboratory exercises makes him/her capable of working independently and as a team member. In the lab acquires skills in fish anatomy, the use dichotomous keys in order to identify fish species, and the use of stereoscope and microscope and measuring instruments (caliper) in order to obtain the necessary data for further processing. The variety of laboratory exercises enables the student in addition to the skills he/she acquires, to develop and improve skills such as obtaining information through observation, critical analysis, evaluation, comparison and synthesis of information, decision-making and time management.

The preparation of a compulsory report also contributes to acquiring and sharpening of the above skills and ability to communicate.

Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information, using the necessary technologies

Adaptation to new situations

Autonomous or teamwork with a presentation

The course covers basic knowledge of systematic classification, morphology, anatomy, physiology, and ethology of fish. Included basic elements from muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and reproductive system, development, geographical distribution and migration of fish. Emphasis is placed on food and reproductive behavior of fish as well as in their functional morphology. Furthermore, it familiarizes the students with fish species with emphasis on those that are found in the Greek seas. The laboratory section includes exercises on identifying fish using keys, and measurement techniques of the fundamentals of the development and behavior of fish. Assessment methods included age, relationship development configuration, robustness, functional morphology, ethology, and osteology. The lesson is accompanied by a series of field and laboratory exercises.

Suggested bibliography:

  Ι.Ε. Μπατζάκας, 2003. Ιχθυολογία, Σημειώσεις Μαθήματος, Μυτιλήνη

  Ι.Ε. Μπατζάκας, 2003. Ιχθυολογία, Εργαστηριακές Ασκήσεις, Μυτιλήνη

  Χ. Νεοφύτου και Ν. Νεοφύτου, Ιχθυολογία, University Studio Press

  Π. Κασπίρης, 2000. Τα ψάρια της Ελλάδος

  Moyle and Cech, 2004. Fishes: An introduction to Ichthyology.

  Helfman, Collette and Facey, 1997, The diversity of fishes

- Related academic journals:

Journal of Ichthyology, Springer Link, https://link.springer.com/journal/11489

Journal of Applied Ichthyology, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0426

Journal of Fish Biology, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1095-8649

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Springer Link, https://link.springer.com/journal/11160