Early Life History of Fish

How fish reproductive strategies and spawning biology is affecting the early life stages of different species is discussed. The course is focusing upon embryonic development, early life history, growth and functional development of different types of fish larvae. Within this context fish will be compared with other animal groups. The importance of nutritional and environmental conditions are viewed in relation to larval adaptation and sensitivity to environmental factors in nature and in cultivation. The course has a special focus upon pelagic fish larval development, and how biological and rearing conditions may determine the further growth and functional development. The course runs every second year, spring 2015, spring 2017.

Knowledge:
The candidate should know:
how fish reproduction startegies and spawning biology affect the offspring’s developmental pattern, viability and environmental adaptation
Comparative functional development in fish, from fertilisation to adult stage
Environmental and nutritional requirements in fish larvae, using marine peleagic fish larvae as model organisms

Skills
Assess basic environmental requirements and ecological niche of fish embryos/larvae based on the fish spawning biology and morphological traits of the offspring
Identify critical stages and factors for cultivation of early life stages of fish, and estimate possible effects from environmental variations
Design cultivation regime for fish larvae based on water quality control and the larval nutritional and environmental requirements
Evaluate feed quality, growth and functional development of larvae during experimental or commercial rearing conditions

General competence (attitudes):
a solid understanding of the plasticity of marine fish larval development, and how environmental conditions (water quality, nutritional quality, feeding strategies, etc) may affect development, growth, and juvenile production both in captive, controlled systems and in nature.

Lectures: 30 hours
Laboratory course: 30 hours, mandatory.
The exam can be oral.
The course can replace BI3091.

This course has restricted admission.