Translated from the Greek “ichthys” means “fish”, and “logos” means “word”, which is why it can be argued that the ichthyologist is a connoisseur of fish.
Characteristics of this profession
A specialist in ichthyology studies the evolutionary development of fish, their structure and life forms, and the characteristics of reproduction. Based on the obtained data, he explores various fishing methods, determines which of them are the most rational. In addition, an ichthyologist is a scientist who studies fish farming and is engaged in fish conservation activities.
It should be noted that this profession involves not only acquaintance with the anatomical features of aquatic inhabitants, but also with their industrial species. Only an ichthyologist, whose profession is rather complicated but interesting, can indicate how to breed fish properly, keep them and grow them.
I must say that work in this direction has certain features. Let's consider them in more detail.
The specifics of the professional activity of ichthyologists
These specialists conduct research related to the construction of dams, hydroelectric power plants or any enterprises whose activities are associated with the use and discharge of water into lakes, rivers and seas (natural bodies of water).
What do ichthyologist professions do? They can work in research institutes, at industrial and floating fish canneries, apply their knowledge while working in enterprises that specialize in fishing, and also engage in scientific work.
In addition, an ichthyologist is an employee who can occupy certain positions in zoos or oceanariums, conduct monitoring in reserves and at sites that belong to nature 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 field of geography, hydrology and botany, as well as paleozoology and climatology.
Personal qualities required by an ichthyologist
It must be said right away that, as a rule, men choose this profession. For effective work, you need to have excellent health and good athletic training. What does an ichthyologist do? He studies
fish that are found not only in local reservoirs, but also in 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 involves lengthy business trips and stay in 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 you should mention not only the departure of certain fish species to the habitat, but also the underwater observations, which include video shooting, which also requires appropriate training and skills.
In addition, only a person who has a penchant for natural sciences and an interest in scientific research, who also loves wildlife and has a certain courage, can work in this area.
What is necessary for work
As a rule, special equipment is not necessary for the ichthyologist's research work - it is enough to have containers with formalin and alcohol. For catching fish, a trawl net is predominantly taken. The researcher gets on board the vessel and sent to the studied areas of the reservoir, after which the catch of aquatic inhabitants begins. Due to the specific shape of the trawl net, which looks like a net, the fish has no chance to get out of it.
After there is enough catch, the net is taken aboard. The fish that is caught is laid out on a tarp and studied. Those species that are of particular interest to an ichthyologist fall into containers with fixing liquid, the rest are mainly sent to the ship’s kitchen or back to the reservoir. For a 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 down under water and watch the underwater world live, after which you can make appropriate notes, so for such work you need to have the appropriate equipment - a special diving suit, mask, fins, gloves, balloons with oxygen and depth gauge.
How to become an ichthyologist?
The profession of ichthyologist is a rather complicated field, therefore, appropriate education is compulsory. A sufficient level of knowledge in order to become a good specialist can be obtained at the Lomonosov Moscow State University by graduating from the Faculty of Biology. Here, the training of ichthyologists is carried out, which in the future can independently conduct various scientific studies.
If you graduate from Moscow University of Technology and Management, you can get the education of an ichthyologist, who later has the right to work in zoos, zoos and other institutions where fish are kept. You can also graduate from Dmitrov Fishery College.
It should be noted that ichthyologists should be well versed in other related sciences and be able to use the latest achievements of chemistry and physics, as well as special equipment for underwater research and surveys.
Ichthyologist in fish farming
This specialist monitors the hydrobiological condition of the reservoir, develops the necessary tasks to optimize the operation of the site, which specializes in fish farming, and also develops a work plan and schedules in accordance with the stages of development of aquatic inhabitants.
What does an ichthyologist do? He also controls fish stocks and studies the influence of various factors on them, analyzes the species, age and weight composition of the catch, conducts biological research. In addition, the ichthyologist develops proposals regarding the more rational use of water bodies, conservation and growth of fish stocks, and establishes permits or prohibitions on fishing, takes part in the development and implementation of the latest technologies for the cultivation of commercial fish species.
His responsibilities include monitoring the proper use of apparatus and equipment, as well as the state of the water protection strip along the banks of water bodies. He also monitors certain preventive maintenance activities (for example, the layout of pond beds).
What an ichthyologist should know for maximum fish stocks in ponds
This employee must have perfect knowledge in the field of fish farming and the operation of hydraulic structures, understand pond and lake fish farming, know the features and the principle of operation 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, monitor the quality of fish products and establish industrial and economic relations with other enterprises for its profitable marketing.
The ichthyologist should also know the regulatory documentation for fish farming, the rules and regulations regarding labor protection and fire safety, be able to record and report in the prescribed manner.
For these specialists put up the relevant qualification requirements. So, in order 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 the second category for more than three years.
To summarize
If we draw conclusions, we can say that the ichthyologist performs the following functional tasks:
1. Carries out production and technological activities - monitors the status of fishery reservoirs, is responsible for the rational use of aquatic biological resources, as well as for the quality of aquaculture facilities 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 takes managerial decisions in controversial situations, finds a compromise between various requirements (the deadline for completing the relevant work, ensuring their quality and safety, setting optimal prices). It also resolves conflicts arising from the operation of fisheries, organizes the management of aquatic biological resources.
3. The duties of an ichthyologist include research work. He analyzes the state and dynamics of various aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture objects, and develops programs for the study of aquatic biological resources.
4. Project activities. Regardless of what an entomologist, ichthyologist, or any other specialist in the field of natural sciences does, priority design decisions are necessarily formulated and the main objectives of the activity are determined, which should include the rational use of biological resources and their restoration.