Ichthyologist

Job overview
An ichthyologist is a fish biologist.

What do people do in this occupation?
The daily routine of the ichthyologist is varied, involving field study, laboratory work, reading research literature, writing up research results and lecturing.

Researchers usually work fairly independently, setting their own goals.

The gratification of making new discoveries about fish and their role in the environment is considerable.

Fisheries science is often carried out on a team basis but taxonomy is usually conducted by a single ichthyologist working on a museum fish collection.

Both fisheries scientists and taxonomists may spend long periods of time in the field collecting data in the former case and specimens in the latter.

Specialisations of ichthyology include:?

• Aquaculture: The study or practice of fish farming and management.
• Fisheries Science: The study and management of the human utilisation of fish resources.
• Conservation: The conservation of natural fish populations.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
The most important quality required of a prospective fish researcher is a capacity for independent and original thought.

Another asset is practical ability in order to perform fieldwork, use equipment and perform experiments.

Only a few people love fish sufficiently to want to follow a career in this field.

An entrepreneurial spirit is necessary for the development of a successful aquaculture business.

What qualifications are needed?
A minimum of a BSc degree with zoology as a major plus postgraduate studies in biology, with an emphasis on fish zoology.