Biology and Ecology of Venomous Marine Scorpionfishes examines the diversity, utilization, and ways to safeguard against the world's most dangerous fish species. It covers the biological and ecological factors that differentiate each species in the Scorpaeninae (Scorpionfish) family and its Pteroinae (Lionfish) subfamily. This book offers important anatomical and identification information on marine scorpionfishes and delves into the diversity, habits and behaviors of each venomous species. In addition, it discusses the health risks that can plague these fish in and out of the wild, including parasites. This book is an essential resource to educate marine biology researchers and students on the various species of scorpionfish that also provides sea-goers with a guide that will help protect them against venomous stings from these fish.

This comprehensive book brings together experts from both the marine science and pharmacy disciplines to relay important aspects on the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical values of 175 species of bony and cartilaginous fishes as well as the uses of fish processing byproducts and wastes.Presented in an easy-to-read style, the volume provides precise identification of freshwater and marine fishes possessing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds along with over 180 photographs. Aspects covered include biology, ecology, diagnostic features, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds along with their activities for each of the fish included. The book details the bioactive compounds, including fish muscle proteins, peptides, collagen and gelatin, fish oil, etc., from such species, as well as the bioactive peptides that are derived from various fish muscle proteins, which have various biological activities, including cardio protective, antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Also discussed are the nutritional benefits of fish consumption, which are largely due to the presence of proteins, unsaturated essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. The waste products obtained during fish processing are also a potential source of bioactive peptides that can be used as a source of nitrogen and amino acids, which have immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antitrombotic, and antihypertensive properties. This volume provides the information needed to tap into these vast pharmaceutical and nutraceutical benefits. Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals from Fish and Fish Wastes will be of great use for students and researchers of disciplines such as pharmaceutical sciences, marine/fisheries sciences, marine microbiology, and marine biotechnology. It will also be a standard reference for libraries of colleges and universities and a guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from fishes and their wastes.

This enlightening new volume details over 200 species of bioluminescent marine fishes along with their biotechnological and therapeutic applications. It delves into the chemistry, diversity, and functions of these fishes and also discusses their biology and ecology aspects. Bioluminescence, which is a type of chemiluminescence and is a "cold living light," is seen in a wide variety of organisms from bacteria to fish. The chemicals and circumstances involved in marine bioluminescence are studied by biologists and engineers to make use of this phenomenon for biotechnological, commercial, and therapeutic applications. Bioluminescence imaging technology has provided valuable means for the monitoring of different biological processes for immunology, oncology, virology, and neuroscience. A new emerging biological technique that combines luminescence with optogenetics involves the use of light to control cells, particularly neurons, in living tissue. Bioluminescence may also be as a potential form of green energy. The author states that more than 75% of deep-sea creatures (700 marine genera within 16 phyla) have been estimated to possess this phenomenon of bioluminescence. While marine plants do not display bioluminescence, several organisms such as the dinoflagellate, Noctiluca, cnidarian, jellyfish, ostracod crustacean, Vargula, molluscan squids and lantern fish are well known for their luminescence. Bioluminescence is employed by marine organisms mainly to hunt their prey, to defend against predators and in reproduction. This scientifically comprehensive and well-illustrated book will serve as an essential standard reference for students and teachers as well as marine biologists, fisheries scientists, zoologists, and environmentalists.

This comprehensive volume provides a plethora of first-hand information on the diversity, biology, and ecology of edible marine bivalve molluscs. It covers the biology of edible marine bivalves; profiles about 180 species, providing information on their habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.; discusses their nutritional values; examines their pharmaceutical value; and looks at their diseases and parasites. This abundance of knowledge is presented in an easy-to-read style with informative illustrations. Marine bivalve molluscs play important roles in the marine ecosystems by filtering water and serving as habitat and prey for a variety of sea life. This diverse group of species, estimated at around 9,200, inhabits virtually the entire world's oceans, from the balmy tropics to the sub-zero Arctic, and from deep oceans to sandy and rocky shorelines. Among the marine bivalves, a total of 180 species (including mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles, and clams) have long been a part of the diet of coastal human populations. Many species of marine bivalves are also commercially important for other purposes, such as pearls and shells for jewelry and decoration. The volume, part of the Biology and Ecology of Marine Life book series, will be of great use to students and researchers in fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology, and zoology.

This comprehensive volume focuses exclusively on sea snails (or gastropods), which are popular food items and occupy an important role in the commercial shell craft industry. Familiar examples include conchs (highly sought after due to their mild flavor) and escargot, abalone, and periwinkle snails. This book covers the profile (habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.) of about 180 species of commercial edible marine gastropod molluscs as well as their nutritional values, commercial importance, and pharmaceutical value. Also included is information on their prevalent diseases and parasites. The informative descriptions are presented in an easy-to-read style with neat illustrations.

The first comprehensive volume exclusively on marine cone snails, this book provides descriptions of over 100 species of hazardous marine snails along with their biological and ecological characteristics; the characteristics of conotoxins; information on cone snail injuries and their treatment along with prevention measures; and the therapeutic and medicinal value of conotoxins, including as a powerful nonaddictive painkiller, an epilepsy drug, and more. Over 275 color illustrations accompany the text for easy identification.

This volume provides an abundance of valuable first-hand information about the diversity, biology, ecology culture of the portunid crabs of the word seas. Marine crabs play an important role directly or indirectly in the livelihood of millions of people around the world. They have been reported to make up about 20% of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed, and consumed worldwide. Among these marine crabs, portunid crabs (or swimming crabs of the family Portunidae) assume greater significance in the marine industry, owing to their delicate meat with nutritional qualities. Although several species of portunid crabs are edible and commercially important, only a few species have been widely cultivated. This is largely due to the lack of information on the biology of portunid crabs. Keeping this in view, this volume presents the biology and aquaculture of marine portunid crabs. This volume will be of great use for researchers and students of disciplines such as fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology and fisheries, and zoology, and will also serve as a standard reference for college, university, and research libraries around the world.

This is the first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pufferfish, also known as blowfish, swellfish, and globefish. Covering 197 species of pufferfish recorded so far from the marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems of the world, this important volume expounds on the toxins and associated poisonings of pufferfish. Importantly, the volume also explores the many uses of pufferfish, such as in aquariums, for their nutritional and culinary value, and for their emerging uses in the treatment of pain. Topics covered include: biology and ecology of pufferfish profiles of the world's marine, brackish, and freshwater pufferfish species characteristics of TTX (tetrodotoxin) and STX (saxitoxin) of pufferfish pufferfish poisoning and symptoms: treatment and management aquarium uses of pufferfish nutritional and pharmaceutical values of pufferfish diseases and parasites of pufferfish and their management

This comprehensive volume provides a plethora of first-hand information on the diversity, biology, and ecology of edible marine bivalve molluscs. It covers the biology of edible marine bivalves; profiles about 180 species, providing information on their habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.; discusses their nutritional values; examines their pharmaceutical value; and looks at their diseases and parasites. This abundance of knowledge is presented in an easy-to-read style with informative illustrations. Marine bivalve molluscs play important roles in the marine ecosystems by filtering water and serving as habitat and prey for a variety of sea life. This diverse group of species, estimated at around 9,200, inhabits virtually the entire world's oceans, from the balmy tropics to the sub-zero Arctic, and from deep oceans to sandy and rocky shorelines. Among the marine bivalves, a total of 180 species (including mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles, and clams) have long been a part of the diet of coastal human populations. Many species of marine bivalves are also commercially important for other purposes, such as pearls and shells for jewelry and decoration. The volume, part of the Biology and Ecology of Marine Life book series, will be of great use to students and researchers in fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology, and zoology.

The nutritional benefits of marine flora and fauna are well known. Fish and crustaceans provide high-quality sources of amino acids-nutritionally important proteins found in only small amounts in cereals and grains. Nutrients and minerals in seafood can improve brain development and reproduction and there are strong links between fish and heart health. Similarly, other organisms such as phytoplankton and invertebrates possess several nutrients of health importance. All of these benefits are critical to global nutrition and particularly important to food-deficient, low-income countries. The first book of its kind, Nutritional Marine Life explores the nutritional characteristics of the different species of the following groups of edible marine life: Phytoplankton Seaweeds and marsh plants Jellyfish Crustaceans Mollusks Echinoderms Prochordate Fish Turtles Mammals For each species, the book discusses its classification, common name, habitat, global distribution, biological features, and nutritional facts. The highly accessible style and high-quality photographs make it easy to identify nutritionally and commercially important marine species. The book is ideal for students and researchers in fisheries and aquaculture and in related marine biology and biotechnology disciplines. It is also suitable as a reference for practitioners in those fields as well as dieticians, food scientists, and physicians interested in knowing about the health benefits of seafood.

This comprehensive book provides first-hand information on the diversity, biology, and ecology of venomous stingrays of freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems. Each year thousands of injuries to swimmers and surfers are reported, with 750 to 1,500 stingray injuries reported each year in the US alone. As more vacationers spend their leisure time exploring coasts and tropical reefs, often in isolated areas without immediate access to advanced health care, there will be greater potential for stingray injuries. A thorough understanding about the diversity of stingrays of marine and freshwater ecosystems and their injuries and envenomations would largely improve the public health community's ability to better manage and to prevent stingray injuries. This volume fills that gap. With over 200 photos and illustrations, this book shows the characteristics of venomous stingray families along with other profile information, such as common name, geographical distribution, diagnostic features, reproduction, predators, parasites, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's conservation status. Importantly, it includes valuable information on stingray injuries, envenomation, and medical management. This volume will be very informative for students of fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology, and environmental sciences, and will become a standard reference for marine professionals, health practitioners, and college and university libraries, and as a helpful on-board

This comprehensive book provides first-hand information on the diversity, biology, and ecology of venomous stingrays of freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems. Each year thousands of injuries to swimmers and surfers are reported, with 750 to 1,500 stingray injuries reported each year in the US alone. As more vacationers spend their leisure time exploring coasts and tropical reefs, often in isolated areas without immediate access to advanced health care, there will be greater potential for stingray injuries. A thorough understanding about the diversity of stingrays of marine and freshwater ecosystems and their injuries and envenomations would largely improve the public health community's ability to better manage and to prevent stingray injuries. This volume fills that gap. With over 200 photos and illustrations, this book shows the characteristics of venomous stingray families along with other profile information, such as common name, geographical distribution, diagnostic features, reproduction, predators, parasites, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's conservation status. Importantly, it includes valuable information on stingray injuries, envenomation, and medical management. This volume will be very informative for students of fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology, and environmental sciences, and will become a standard reference for marine professionals, health practitioners, and college and university libraries, and as a helpful on-board

This volume provides an abundance of valuable first-hand information about the diversity, biology, ecology culture of the portunid crabs of the word seas. Marine crabs play an important role directly or indirectly in the livelihood of millions of people around the world. They have been reported to make up about 20% of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed, and consumed worldwide. Among these marine crabs, portunid crabs (or swimming crabs of the family Portunidae) assume greater significance in the marine industry, owing to their delicate meat with nutritional qualities. Although several species of portunid crabs are edible and commercially important, only a few species have been widely cultivated. This is largely due to the lack of information on the biology of portunid crabs. Keeping this in view, this volume presents the biology and aquaculture of marine portunid crabs. This volume will be of great use for researchers and students of disciplines such as fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology and fisheries, and zoology, and will also serve as a standard reference for college, university, and research libraries around the world.

Supplying sustenance for millions of the poorest people in the world, freshwater flora and fauna also contribute to overall economic well-being by means of export commodity trade, tourism, and recreation. As sources of high-quality nutrients, freshwater flora and fauna of edible value represent a viable option for alleviating the problems related to malnutrition in developing and underdeveloped countries. Although the nutritional benefits of freshwater flora and fauna are well known, there has long been a need for a book that supplies an assessment of their nutritional qualities. Well-illustrated with approximately 325 photographs, this book fills that need. Nutritional Freshwater Life details the characteristics of more than 300 species of nutritionally important freshwater animals and plants. The book covers algae and plants, crustaceans (prawns, crayfish, and crabs), mollusks (bivalves and gastropods), fish, and frogs. For each species of freshwater life identified, the book provides a photograph and details its characteristics such as scientific name, common names, habitats, global distribution, nutritional facts, and biological features.

This comprehensive volume focuses exclusively on sea snails (or gastropods), which are popular food items and occupy an important role in the commercial shell craft industry. Familiar examples include conchs (highly sought after due to their mild flavor) and escargot, abalone, and periwinkle snails. This book covers the profile (habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.) of about 180 species of commercial edible marine gastropod molluscs as well as their nutritional values, commercial importance, and pharmaceutical value. Also included is information on their prevalent diseases and parasites. The informative descriptions are presented in an easy-to-read style with neat illustrations.

This is the first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pufferfish, also known as blowfish, swellfish, and globefish. Covering 197 species of pufferfish recorded so far from the marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems of the world, this important volume expounds on the toxins and associated poisonings of pufferfish. Importantly, the volume also explores the many uses of pufferfish, such as in aquariums, for their nutritional and culinary value, and for their emerging uses in the treatment of pain. Topics covered include: biology and ecology of pufferfish profiles of the world's marine, brackish, and freshwater pufferfish species characteristics of TTX (tetrodotoxin) and STX (saxitoxin) of pufferfish pufferfish poisoning and symptoms: treatment and management aquarium uses of pufferfish nutritional and pharmaceutical values of pufferfish diseases and parasites of pufferfish and their management

The first comprehensive volume exclusively on marine cone snails, this book provides descriptions of over 100 species of hazardous marine snails along with their biological and ecological characteristics; the characteristics of conotoxins; information on cone snail injuries and their treatment along with prevention measures; and the therapeutic and medicinal value of conotoxins, including as a powerful nonaddictive painkiller, an epilepsy drug, and more. Over 275 color illustrations accompany the text for easy identification.

Supplying sustenance for millions of the poorest people in the world, freshwater flora and fauna also contribute to overall economic well-being by means of export commodity trade, tourism, and recreation. As sources of high-quality nutrients, freshwater flora and fauna of edible value represent a viable option for alleviating the problems related to malnutrition in developing and underdeveloped countries. Although the nutritional benefits of freshwater flora and fauna are well known, there has long been a need for a book that supplies an assessment of their nutritional qualities. Well-illustrated with approximately 325 photographs, this book fills that need. Nutritional Freshwater Life details the characteristics of more than 300 species of nutritionally important freshwater animals and plants. The book covers algae and plants, crustaceans (prawns, crayfish, and crabs), mollusks (bivalves and gastropods), fish, and frogs. For each species of freshwater life identified, the book provides a photograph and details its characteristics such as scientific name, common names, habitats, global distribution, nutritional facts, and biological features.

The nutritional benefits of marine flora and fauna are well known. Fish and crustaceans provide high-quality sources of amino acids-nutritionally important proteins found in only small amounts in cereals and grains. Nutrients and minerals in seafood can improve brain development and reproduction and there are strong links between fish and heart health. Similarly, other organisms such as phytoplankton and invertebrates possess several nutrients of health importance. All of these benefits are critical to global nutrition and particularly important to food-deficient, low-income countries. The first book of its kind, Nutritional Marine Life explores the nutritional characteristics of the different species of the following groups of edible marine life: Phytoplankton Seaweeds and marsh plants Jellyfish Crustaceans Mollusks Echinoderms Prochordate Fish Turtles Mammals For each species, the book discusses its classification, common name, habitat, global distribution, biological features, and nutritional facts. The highly accessible style and high-quality photographs make it easy to identify nutritionally and commercially important marine species. The book is ideal for students and researchers in fisheries and aquaculture and in related marine biology and biotechnology disciplines. It is also suitable as a reference for practitioners in those fields as well as dieticians, food scientists, and physicians interested in knowing about the health benefits of seafood.