Ichthyology Course

Larval Lab Lights Up

The Ichthyology students observed Zebrafish larvae exhibiting positive phototaxis, a tendency to move towards the light. In this experiment, half of a glass tank was covered in foil to create dark conditions and students watched ...

Betta Aggression Lab

Students in the Ichthyology class at Washington College, taught by Dr. Martin Connaughton, observed and experimented with male Betta fish and their displays of aggression. Students learned the different signs of aggression (opercle expansion, lateral display, approach,...

Field Trip to the Smithsonian

The Ichthyology class at Washington College studies the major groups of fish as well as systematics, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of fish. Student spend the first half of semester getting acquainted with the fish...

BIO 336. Ichthyology

Ichthyology encompasses the study of fishes. Topics will include the systematics, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of this diverse group. Identification of specimens during a weekly lab will familiarize students with the major fishes of the Chesapeake region. A multi-week independent project will familiarize students with the scientific method and with aspects of fish behavior. Field trips to the fish collection at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the largest in the world, and to the National Aquarium in Baltimore will broaden the perspective of the course. There may be some additional cost to the students for these trips, though not more than $50. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.