The Exciting Life of an Ichthyologist
By: Paul
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A Lionfish: Don't Eat!! |
Ichthyology is the scientific study of fishes. An ichthyologist is a person who studies the estimated 25,000-30,000 fish; including bony fish, sharks, and rays. They study classification, history, anatomy, behavior, ecology etc. |
| Many jobs are available to Ichthyologists, such as working for the government, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The EPA. They can work for the government to help control fishing and limit the use of specific areas for recreation where fish are spawning, protected, or endangered animals may live. If an Ichthyologist does not want to do field work then they can acquire a Ph.D. and work in colleges as professors. |
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To become an Ichthyologist one must go to college and usually receive a doctoral degree or masters but some require research positions require a Ph.D. Courses in Anatomy, Development, Statistics, Systematics, Biochemistry, Behavior, Genetics, Ecology, and Physiology greatly increase the chance of being accepted into a graduate program. A background in computers is also mandatory. Other things such as being a certified SCUBA diver can also help if wanting to work in the field. |
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| A large Jellyfish | A Large Barracuda |
Related Links
| A good website were you can find facts about almost anything. | |
The homepage for the California Academy of Science
which gives an overview of what Ichthyology is all about. |
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| A page which gives detailed information on Ichthyology and what careers are avaible and history of Ichthyology | |
| The Australian Museum that has general information and fish and Ichthyology |
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