Profession studying fish. What science studies fish?

Veterinary services for fish

Have your fish started behaving strangely and are you worried about the other inhabitants of the aquarium? It is worth contacting a veterinary ichthyopathologist who can provide professional advice and offer treatment options for your fish.

Curing a fish requires highly specialized knowledge and a special approach, so it is important to immediately contact a specialist for help.

Treatment of fish

Oxygen and temperature are one of the most important elements for a comfortable life for fish. It is also important to maintain quarantine when purchasing new inhabitants.

Symptoms of fish diseases

Aquarists can quickly tell if a fish is sick by its behavior. In this case, the fish may sway on the water, hit the ground, or be in unusual places. Compressed fins are also a symptom of the disease.

In each of these cases, different treatment is prescribed. Also, it may often be necessary not only to treat the fish, but also to follow recommendations for caring for and changing the living conditions of a small pet.

A timely visit to a veterinarian-ichthyopathologist and competently prescribed treatment will keep your fish healthy and they will delight you with their appearance for a long time.

Ichthyologists have played a colossal role not only in science, but also in fishing. They created hundreds of technologies that made it possible to optimize the extraction, breeding and processing of fish. The specialty is rare, not the highest paid, but extremely important and in demand. The responsibilities of a professional depend on his experience, skills and place of work. What does an ichthyologist do, what role does he play in science and production, how much does he earn in different regions of the country and abroad? More on this later.

Who is an ichthyologist? Description of the profession

An ichthyologist is a scientist who specializes in the study of fish, the characteristics of their reproduction and forms of life.

The name of the specialty is easy to decipher: from the Greek ichtiys - fish and logos - knowledge. The profession is quite rare, mainly in demand in research centers, fish farming companies, pond farms and mining enterprises. Specialists also play a vital role in environmental protection - they assess the local state of individual fish species, identify the danger of their extinction in certain areas, and develop methods for restoring the population.

The profession is not always associated with long expeditions and dives to depths of several thousand meters. Most ichthyologists can count the number of in situ studies they have completed on the fingers of one hand. Behind every scientific discovery there is complex scientific work in cramped offices. It is often associated with the development of new methods of catching or breeding fish in certain territories, therefore it is important to be able to explore the habitats of freshwater and marine inhabitants. The rarity of the specialty determines the high popularity of successful specialists.

Prospects for the specialty in Russia and abroad

Interest in ichthyologists in Russia has increased noticeably with the emergence of a trend toward import substitution on the market. If previously up to 70% of certain types of fish were supplied from abroad, today the share of imported products has almost halved. Accordingly, there was a need to improve the technologies of fishing enterprises and pond farms. Salaries of specialists have increased significantly, and more attractive vacancies have appeared. Where can an ichthyologist work in Russia:

• Fish farming and fishing enterprises.
• Pond farms.
• Dolphinariums, zoos, oceanariums.
• Research centers.
• Educational institutions.

The specialty is no less in demand abroad - in all countries that have access to the sea or the possibility of organizing fish farming on their territory. These are the USA, Japan, Canada, the Baltic countries, Norway, Sweden and many others. Nothing prevents an experienced and qualified ichthyologist from emigrating to one of the states interested in catching fish, restoring its population, or making scientific discoveries in this industry.

What does an ichthyologist do?

First of all, by studying fish, developing optimal methods of fish farming and fishing. Often this is fish conservation activity, restoration of the population of rare and endangered species. The responsibilities of a particular specialist depend on his experience and place of work. Thus, researchers are more focused on searching for new species of fish and studying the features of their evolutionary development. But specialists working in pond farms focus on developing methods for sustainable fish farming.

Key responsibilities of an ichthyologist:

• Study of the anatomical structure of fish, their evolutionary development, reproductive characteristics and habitats.
• Development of optimal methods of fishing and fish breeding.
• Fish conservation activities, identifying the danger of population decline and extinction.
• Study of fish habitat conditions, determination of key criteria for a favorable environment for breeding certain species.
• Optimization of processes in ponds and fish farms.
• Carrying out veterinary and sanitary assessment of fish products.

The specialists are also responsible for maintaining reports on the work performed and the results achieved. If we are talking about scientists and employees of research centers, then they prepare scientific reports, speak at conferences, and are engaged in teaching activities. In some cases, an ichthyologist can perform the duties of a biologist, hydrologist and specialists in other related specialties. However, the key area of ​​activity is fish, their habitat, and the peculiarities of harvesting and breeding of individual species.

Where to study to become an ichthyologist? TOP 5 Universities

It is not possible to get an education in a specialized specialty at all universities. If there is no university in your city that trains ichthyologists, and you don’t want to go to Moscow or St. Petersburg to study, pay attention to related specialties. In particular, this is a fish farmer, animal engineer, fish product technologist or biologist.

After completing your studies, you will be able to take short courses in ichthyology or acquire the necessary skills directly through work or internship. At the same time, specialized education can still provide advantages at the start of a career, so you need to strive for it.

TOP 5 Russian universities training ichthyologists:

1. Moscow State University named after Lomonosov.
2. Agrarian University named after. Timiryazev.
3. Federal Far Eastern University.
4. St. Petersburg Agrarian University.
5. Kazan State University.

What does an ichthyologist study? Biology, chemistry, aquatic bioresources, aquaculture and a host of other subjects. The researcher must have a strong theoretical base and refined practical skills. For admission, you usually need to pass chemistry, biology and the Russian language in the form of the Unified State Exam. At the same time, universities can conduct their own entrance tests - usually this is a physical education exam, a test or an essay. Check in advance with the admissions committee for the list of subjects required for passing.

Key Personal Qualities

Intellectual development. An ichthyologist is a scientist. His professional activity is impossible without a wealth of knowledge that he knows how to apply in practice. It is necessary to constantly develop, follow scientific trends, study new areas of ichthyology, and adopt the developments and methods of colleagues, in particular foreign ones.

Patience. It's not the most dynamic or action-packed job. 95% of it consists of painstaking “desk” work. You should not assume that you will regularly go on business trips and conduct research “on the water”. You have to regularly take samples, study a lot of information, and carry out complex calculations. All this requires patience.

Endurance. Good physical preparation significantly increases the chances of an ichthyologist to conduct successful scientific research and expeditions. When diving hundreds of meters, you will not only have to enjoy underwater views, but also carry out complex work in high-risk conditions.

Logical thinking. The ability to analyze collected information and determine the effectiveness of fishing methods, breeding and restoring the population of individual fish species requires a sequence of actions and logic in judgment. When optimizing processes and increasing the efficiency of enterprises, you must think logically.

Love for science. You shouldn't expect huge salaries at the start of your career. The most important discoveries require many years of hard work, and the work process itself cannot exactly be called exciting and exciting. You can become a successful specialist only if you are motivated. Love for science is one of the few options for motivation in this situation.

How to build a career and achieve success

According to statistics, over 70% of ichthyologists work in fishing and fish farming companies.

Here, the task of specialists is to develop and improve methods of fishing and breeding of individual, mainly valuable species. The scope of responsibilities directly depends on the enterprise or institution. At the same time, employers rely on experience - ideally if he has a good track record and can confirm his professional worth with successfully completed projects.

Thousands of specialists work in research centers and educational institutions. Their tasks include conducting research, speaking at conferences, and teaching activities. Also, experienced professionals are employed in dolphinariums, zoos and aquariums. The latter are increasingly opening in large Russian cities. Giant aquariums are an unusual habitat for fish. Therefore, the role of an experienced specialist cannot be overestimated.

But how to build a brilliant career? Try to adhere to the following rules:

• Get a professional education - it is best if it is higher.
• Try to start working in your specialty or do an internship in independent companies during your final years of study.
• Constantly develop professionally, follow scientific trends.
• Don’t stick to one job, no matter how strong the habit is - it’s important to constantly look for options and not be afraid to use them.
• Demonstrate your importance. Take initiative if appropriate. Prove your qualifications, work for the benefit of the company.

A successful specialist not only earns more, but also gets the opportunity to start his own business. For example, open a fish farm and breed valuable species of fish for subsequent sale. Also, prospects open up for him to work as a freelancer - an ichthyologist can help a novice businessman organize production, work part-time as a teacher and combine teaching with his main job, say, in production.

How much does an ichthyologist earn?

A specialist’s income directly depends not only on his experience and qualifications, but also on the organization and its region of registration. The average salary of ichthyologists in Russia is 31,000 rubles. Specialists working in St. Petersburg receive the most - their income averages 34,000 rubles. Salaries for employees of Far Eastern enterprises are 32,000 rubles, and for Murmansk enterprises – about 29,000 rubles. In many foreign countries, ichthyologists earn more. Thus, the average annual salary of a specialist in the USA is $27,000, in Japan – over $30,000, in Canada – $24,500.

The salary also depends on the qualifications of the ichthyologist and the position he occupies.

Specialists employed in private companies receive more colleagues. The least likely are junior researchers.

At the same time, experience does not always have a significant impact on income - after 3-4 years of successful work, ichthyologists on average receive only 2-3 thousand rubles more than young specialists. That is why many experienced professionals strive to find an additional source of income - they work as a freelancer or teach.

Evgenia Melnikova

Editor of the Info-Profi portal, teacher with 16 years of experience, practicing tutor.

The hypersensitivity and rich creative imagination of Pisces, increased attention to the secret sides of life often lead to disorientation in everyday realities.

What field should Pisces pursue a career in?

Often this sign lacks unceremoniousness in making its way. His weak spot is his soul. Fantasy reigns there, often the ability to daydream.

Whoever can combine this imagination with an inspired, uninhibited action will be able to rise high in life. However, due to the vulnerability of the soul, external impressions and activities are more likely to depress Pisces than to please them.

You can't make a career with a romantic attitude towards life. There is no point in waiting for weather by the sea, we must put our imagination into practice!

Pisces cannot call upon sobriety of mind, much less “iron principles,” for help, but they can set reasonably great goals for small, achievable steps.

Such small victories give indecisive and modest Pisces more confidence in themselves and their inner strengths. This is an acceptable path for Pisces.

How Pisces would like to make money easily and effortlessly! They love passive contemplation.

In weak natures, a wait-and-see passive position becomes superstition, i.e. awareness of one's helplessness before higher powers.

Then many take the path of speculation, adventure, and lack of control. Statistics speak of both profits and happy accidents. Pisces are lottery regulars and major lotto players.

But the path to success leads only through overcoming and solving assigned problems. From small successes, strength flows into Pisces. Melancholy and depressive states in Pisces are well known.

Therefore, we must avoid any fantastic goals. For Pisces, success in life is a matter of planning, bold action and constant determination.

Already because obstacles and delays cause mental disorders in them (neuroses, depression, drug addiction, addiction to drugs, alcohol, etc.).

Often ambition, restrained and calm, awakens when inner interest in the profession awakens.

Among Pisces there are many kind, gentle people who sacrifice themselves for others. But the view of reality is often clouded, and subjective ideas reign in actions.

In general, this sign is very multifaceted. Pisces are hospitable, ready to help, and love pleasure.

What professions are suitable for Pisces according to the horoscope?

Pisces are great at working behind the scenes. Thanks to their rich imagination and mystical inclinations, success awaits them in the field of art, literature, and theater.

In addition, they can become monks, mystics and even inventors.

Born under the Pisces poppy, Edgar Cayce, the "sleeping prophet" is perhaps the best example of what a Pisces can achieve in metaphysics.

Albert Einstein, born under the sign of Pisces, is the best example of Pisces genius in science.

There are also many Pisces in art. All cinematic art: actors, directors, screenwriters, cameramen; painting and music (especially playing musical instruments), literature and poetry.

Pisces also includes the sale of drinks, beer, trade in alcoholic beverages, drugs, fish, fishing, navigation (captains, sailors, shipowners), swimming pools, masseuses, catering establishments, bars, grocery stores.

A large concentration of Pisces is observed in professions in closed institutions (monks, nuns) and work in these institutions.

Pisces often work in detective bureaus and some departments of the criminal police (search, identification, homicide department).

Pisces have a penchant for investigating mysteries and getting to the bottom of things. Supporters of sects, philosophical movements, Eastern secret teachings, yoga, occultism or mysticism.

If the intellect manifests itself more strongly than the soul and feeling, then Pisces can become independent businessmen, for example, selling books or writing them (lyricist, storyteller, science fiction writer, novelist).

In the field of music, Pisces are composers, poets, violinists, and cellists. The creative subconscious of Pisces is especially loosened, which often gives intuition, a religious feeling, or simply a need for spiritual support. This especially applies to those born at midnight.

The positions of the Sun and Jupiter show whether they will be happy. At the age of 45-55 there are financial crises. Troubles at work arise as a result of great gullibility.

A negative aspect to the Sun gives phlegmatism, lethargy, and inertia.

Professions of Pisces women

Professional statistics report strong employment of Pisces women in hospitals (nurses, laboratory assistants, nurses), as well as in care institutions (sisters of mercy, charities, prisons).

The desire to ensure prosperity for oneself leads Pisces to administrative positions.

Many Pisces women work in the church, care about the salvation of souls, and are at the head of closed boarding schools. Among the sciences, they are primarily interested in pharmaceuticals.

All mysterious, unknown areas, secret sciences, parapsychology.

Pisces and money

Usually, Pisces are less interested in money and material goods than in the pleasure they get from work. Does work help them improve themselves?

Does this work show their incredible compassion for others? If not, they will change jobs again and again until they find a suitable profession.

What is the purpose of Pisces

In this case, the person is prone to dark thoughts and moods. Affected Jupiter gives extravagance, lack of realistic planning.

“Strive to keep alive this tiny spark of heavenly fire, consciousness, in your mortal body.”

“The humblest of the inhabitants of the country, dressed in the armor of righteousness, is stronger than the whole army of the erring.”

Pisces seek salvation within themselves, invariably striving for self-sufficiency, self-knowledge and erasing the boundaries of their “I”.

Their goal is highly praiseworthy, and if Pisces does not achieve it, it is not through their own fault, but because the task is too difficult.

At the beginning of life, Pisces’ goals are quite material, since they intuitively feel that the search for their “I” will be most successful if they are no longer bothered by physical needs.

However, Pisces are not always endowed with a commercial spirit and often mistakenly consider themselves losers. Most often, the cause of such failures is an attempt to drive a square peg into a round hole.

When Pisces find their niche, find the opportunity to serve, love and understand, they gain a sense of deep satisfaction, which is their personal and therefore true success.

Since Pisces has a special goal, they recklessly try to remake themselves, instead of following the dictates of their hearts and intuition.

And since they sincerely try to do everything as it should be, they make mistakes in choosing a goal, confuse themselves and get lost in the turmoil of life.

All this happens because Pisces stop listening to the persistent but quiet inner voice, allow themselves to be distracted from true desires and choose the wrong and unfamiliar path, which often faces obstacles.

Pisces feel that they are misunderstood, but this is only true because they misunderstand themselves, try to pass themselves off as not who they really are, and as a result discover that they have not the slightest desire to follow their chosen path. ways.

If a person born under the sign of Pisces is true to his true, deep self, he is crystal clear - selfless, kind-hearted, loving, devoted, undemanding, generous, always ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of others.

Pisces become unhappy only in the grip of the material world, when they try to suppress tenderness, of which they are sometimes ashamed.

In such cases, they become demanding, jealous, unreliable, and deceive not only themselves, but also other people - because they are trying to squeeze their contemplative nature into a framework in which it is cramped.

Do not prevent the Pisces ward from following the dictates of his heart, consciousness, inner desire for service, self-realization and self-knowledge, and he will become the happiest and most useful of mortals, will find satisfaction thanks to deep spiritual truths that will provide him with almost mystical power over other people and allow him to manage his own life.

Translated from Greek, “ichthys” means “fish”, and “logos” means “word”, which is why it can be argued that an ichthyologist is an expert on fish.

Characteristics of this profession

A specialist in ichthyology studies the evolutionary development of fish, their structure and life forms, and reproductive characteristics. Based on the data obtained, he examines various fishing methods and determines which of them are the most rational. In addition, an ichthyologist is a scientist who studies fish farming and is involved in fish conservation activities.

It should be noted that this profession involves not only familiarization with the anatomical features of aquatic inhabitants, but also with their industrial species. Only an ichthyologist, whose profession is quite complex but interesting, can indicate how to properly breed fish, keep them and grow them.

It must be said that work in this direction has certain features. Let's look at them in more detail.

Specifics of professional activities of ichthyologists

These specialists conduct research that relates to the construction of dams, hydroelectric power plants or any enterprises whose activities are related to the use and release of water into lakes, rivers and seas (natural bodies of water).

What do people in the ichthyologist profession do? They can work in research institutes, in industrial and floating fish canning factories, apply their knowledge while working in enterprises that specialize in fish procurement, and also engage in scientific work.

In addition, an ichthyologist is a worker who can hold certain positions in zoos or aquariums, and conduct monitoring in nature reserves and facilities that belong to environmental protection zones.

It should be noted that for successful professional activities such people need to be well versed not only in ichthyology, but also have a sufficient level of knowledge in the fields of geography, hydrology and botany, as well as paleozoology and climatology.

Personal qualities required by an ichthyologist

It must be said right away that this profession is usually chosen by men. To work effectively, you need to have excellent health and good athletic training. What does an ichthyologist do? He studies the inhabitants not only of local reservoirs, but also of the inhabitants of the seas and oceans, which can be found not only in another region, but even in another country or continent. Therefore, such work requires long business trips and exposure to the open air, living in a rather unsightly place. Not every woman is able to withstand such conditions.

If you answer the question of what an ichthyologist does, then we should mention not only traveling to the habitats of certain species of fish, but also conducting underwater observations that involve video filming, which also requires appropriate training and skills.

In addition, only a person who has an inclination towards natural sciences and an interest in research work, as well as a love of wildlife and a certain amount of courage, can work in such a field.

What is needed for work

As a rule, an ichthyologist does not need special equipment - it is enough to have containers with formaldehyde and alcohol. A trawl net is used to catch fish. The researcher boards the vessel and goes to the studied areas of the reservoir, after which the catching of aquatic inhabitants begins. Due to the specific shape of the trawl net, which looks like a net, the fish have no chance of getting out of it.

Once there is a sufficient amount of catch, the net is lifted on board. The fish that are caught are laid out on a tarpaulin and studied. Those species that are of particular interest to the ichthyologist end up in containers with a fixing liquid, while the rest are mainly sent to the ship’s kitchen or back to the reservoir. For more detailed study, the caught fish species are sent to a research institute.

It should be noted that an ichthyologist is a person who sometimes has to go underwater and observe the underwater world live, after which the corresponding notes can be made, so for such work you need to have the appropriate equipment - a special diving suit, mask, fins, gloves, cylinders with oxygen and depth gauge.

How to become an ichthyologist?

The profession of ichthyologist is a rather complex field, so appropriate education is mandatory. You can obtain a sufficient level of knowledge to become a good specialist at Lomonosov Moscow State University by graduating from the Faculty of Biology. Here, ichthyologists are trained, who in the future can independently conduct various scientific studies.

If you graduate from the Moscow University of Technology and Management, you can get an education as an ichthyologist, who in the future has the right to work in zoos, animal parks and other institutions where fish are kept. You can also graduate from the Dmitrov Fishery College.

It should be noted that ichthyologists must be well versed in other related sciences and be able to use in their work the latest achievements of chemistry and physics, as well as special equipment for underwater research and filming.

Ichthyologist in the field of fish farming

This specialist monitors the hydrobiological state of the reservoir, develops the necessary tasks to optimize the operation of the site, which specializes in growing fish, and also develops a plan and schedule of work in accordance with the stages of development of aquatic inhabitants.

What does an ichthyologist do? He also monitors fish stocks and studies the influence of various factors on them, analyzes the species, age and weight composition of the catch, and conducts biological research. In addition, the ichthyologist develops proposals regarding the more rational use of water bodies, the conservation and growth of fish stocks, as well as establishes permits or bans on fishing, takes part in the development and implementation of the latest technologies for growing commercial fish species.

His functional responsibilities include monitoring the correct use of equipment and equipment, as well as the condition of the water protection strip along the banks of reservoirs. He also ensures that certain maintenance work is carried out (for example, the layout of pond beds).

What an ichthyologist should know to maximize fish stocks in reservoirs

This employee must have perfect knowledge in the field of fish farming and operation, understand pond and lake fish farming, know the features and operating principles of various equipment and mechanisms that can be used. He must also determine the level of acclimatization of fish and their diseases, carry out the necessary veterinary, sanitary, preventive or therapeutic measures, control the quality of fish products and establish production and economic relations with other enterprises for their profitable marketing.

The ichthyologist must also know the regulatory documentation on fish farming, rules and regulations regarding labor protection and fire safety, be able to carry out records and prepare reports in the prescribed manner.

These specialists are assigned the appropriate So, to be a fish farmer of the first category, you need to have a higher ichthyological or zootechnical education, as well as work experience as a fish farmer of category II for more than three years.

Let's sum it up

If we draw conclusions, we can say that the ichthyologist performs the following functional tasks:

1. Carries out production and technological activities - monitors the condition of fishery reservoirs, is responsible for the rational use of water bodies and also for the quality of aquaculture objects that are grown, monitors environmental parameters and technological processes.

2. The ichthyologist carries out organizational and managerial activities - organizes the work of the team and makes management decisions in controversial situations, finds a compromise between various requirements (deadlines for completing the relevant work, ensuring their quality and safety, establishing optimal prices). It also resolves conflicts arising during the operation of fishery facilities and organizes the management of aquatic biological resources.

3. The functional responsibilities of an ichthyologist include: He analyzes the state and dynamics of various aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture objects, and develops research programs for aquatic biological resources.

4. Regardless of what an entomologist, ichthyologist or any other specialist in the field of natural science does, priority design decisions must be formulated and the main goals of the activity are determined, which should include the rational use of biological resources and their restoration.

The science that studies fish is ichthyology, which studies the anatomy and morphology of aquatic inhabitants (external and) and their relationship to the organic and inorganic external environment. In addition, the responsibilities of ichthyology include studying the history of the development of fish, patterns of fluctuations in their numbers, caring for offspring, as well as the geographical distribution of certain species.

Thanks to ichthyology, it is possible to obtain forecasts of fishing catches - both short-term and long-term.

This science owes its origin to disciplines such as fish farming and industrial fish farming, fish embryology and physiology, technology for the production of fish products and the raw material base of the fishing industry, as well as fish diseases. For the first time, biology and fish, including more than two hundred and forty species, were described by outstanding researchers who repeatedly organized sea expeditions, which significantly contributed to the development of scientific and commercial research.

Tasks of ichthyology

In recent years, people, through active fishing, the construction of thermal and hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants and the irreversible use of water for their needs, have significantly changed the ichthyological fauna on the entire planet. In many reservoirs, valuable fish species have been replaced by low-value populations, and the relationships between their communities have also changed. This led to the need to reconstruct the ichthyofauna in relation to changing environmental conditions, which are actual tasks of ichthyology.

Poaching and pollution of water bodies with waste from human and chemical activities have had a negative impact on the ichthyofauna.

Today, people, using knowledge of ichthyology, are gradually moving from fishing in natural reservoirs to the targeted reproduction of valuable fish species and their breeding in fisheries and industrial farms, as well as in year-round live fish hatcheries. Breeding occurs by controlling the basic parameters of the fish’s environment and using a closed water supply cycle. Thanks to this, changes in fish farming are analogous to the development of livestock farming, where poultry farms and fattening complexes are used instead of swimming pools. Breeding fish in these conditions requires broad knowledge of their physiological and biological needs and characteristics, which is fully provided by knowledge of ichthyology.