Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Syllabus
Course: Biology of Fish and Fisheries
Semester: Fall 2009
Instructor: Soledad Luna, MSc
Email: soledadl@gmx.de
Texts:
Required: Moyle, P. and J. Cech. 2004. Fishes: An Introduction to Ichthyology, 5th Edition. NJ:
Prentice Hall. 726 pp.
Optional: Human, P.
Complementary reading material to that covered in the classroom will be provided during the
course.
Underwater slates for identifying major Galapagos fish groups will be provided.
Goals & objectives:
This course will provide basic coverage of the diversity and biology of fish and introduce
concepts of fisheries management. Special emphasis will be placed on species inhabiting the
Southern Eastern Pacific, specially Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
The course objectives for students are to:
1. Learn the major groups of fishes and their ecology.
2. Develop a basic understanding of the morphology and biology of fishes.
3. Understand the basic principles used to study fish populations
4. Be able to identify the major groups of fishes and the most common tropical fishes present in
Galapagos.
The course will include theoretical classes held in the classroom and practical classes held in the
nearby rocky subtidal coasts of San Cristóbal, where students will be able to apply the acquired
knowledge using methods learned during this and the Techniques of Marine Research course.
List of topics to be covered:
Introduction to modern fishes: 1. fish classification, 2. evolution, 3.characteristics and diversity
of fish groups.
Structure and form: 1. movement, 2. respiration, 3. buoyancy, 4. thermal regulation and
hydromineral balance, 5. growth.
Reproduction and sensory perception
Bahavior and communication
Zoogeography
Ecology: 1. biological, physical, chemical and zoogeographic factors, 2. fish communities in
tropical, temperate, coastal and deep sea habitats.
Conservation: 1. threats and causes of declines of fish diversity and abundance around the
world and in Ecuador, 2. Fisheries characterization and management, 3. conservation efforts.
State of fishes and seas around the world