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Ichthyology as a Career
Learn about a career in Ichthyology.
What is an Ichthyologist?An ichthyologist is a person who studies the approximately 25,000 to 30,000 species of bony fish, sharks, rays, and lobe-finned fish in marine and fresh water. They also study the classification, life history, anatomy, behavior, ecology, physiology, aquarium maintenance, breeding, and conservation of fish.
Education
A bachelor of science degree is the minimum requirement for a job in this field. Most research and teaching positions at colleges, universities, and major research institutions require a master of science degree or doctorate.
A student interested in this career would major in zoology or biology and take courses in anatomy, development, statistics, systematics, biochemistry, behavior, genetics, ecology, limnology, oceanography, or physiology. Knowledge of one or more foreign languages is advised because many ichthyologists conduct research in foreign countries or use non-English literature in their research.
Where Do Ichthyologists Work?
- Applied Research— Local, state, and federal agencies such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and state fisheries such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) employ ichthyologists for research and administrative positions. Their responsibilities include regulating the use of coastal and wetland areas for recreation, identification of commercial adult and larval fish populations, protection of endangered or threatened species, or the management and development of commercial and sport fishing regulations.
- Museum Curatorship— A museum curator cares for and conducts research about a preserved fish collection. Curators often conduct research about the identification and classification of a particular group of related fishes. This research includes naming new species and a description of the differences between fish groups. Many natural history museums have molecular systematic laboratories in which genetic data (DNA sequences) are used to help researchers identify and classify fish. The curator also develops exhibits, gives public lectures, serves on committees, raises funds, and oversees collection maintenance. Curators often serve as professors if the museum is connected with a university.
- Collection Management— Collection managers are responsible for ensuring that fish specimens are properly handled and preserved, that records are properly maintained, and that the collection is accessible for other scientists. The collection manager uses computer cataloging systems, automated databases, and information retrieval networks to identify specimens and develop specimen-conservation policy.
- Public Aquaria— Many major cities have an aquarium. An ichthyologist's job in an aquarium might include maintaining and keeping animals, developing exhibits, educating the public, conducting research on captive breeding, and performing other duties involved in maintaining live aquatic animal populations.
- Conservation Biology— Ichthyologists at agencies such as the FWC or the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, the Ocean Conservancy, and Conservation International work with other biologists to develop conservation plans for individual species and species communities. They may prepare reports, such as environmental impact statements or proposals for nature reserves.
- Educators— With approximately 200 colleges and universities with fisheries programs across the country, teaching usually involves developing fisheries courses and research programs that are a part of natural resource, zoology, or ecology programs.
Salary and Employment Outlook
The number of available positions in fisheries management has expanded in recent years due to an increase in funding in the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. This act provides funds for states with fisheries management programs. The increasing demand for fish in our diets has also increased the demand for employment in this area.
The increase in scientific and public concern about conserving natural aquatic habitats, such as coastal wetlands and coral reefs, should result in more support for the study of fish which should lead to additional job opportunities for ichthyologists.
The more education and job responsibility, the higher the pay. Ichthyologists with a bachelor's degree and no experience can expect a starting salary in the range of $16,000 to $24,000. Those with a master's degree earn between $21,000 to $27,000 and $30,000 to $37,000 with a doctoral degree.
Sources
Parenti, Lynne R. and Vari, Richard P., American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Division of Fishes, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. 20560
American Fisheries Society, 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-2199.
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