Comparative endocrinology is one of the most rapidly developing subdis ciplines within the field of endocrinology, and it is having a significant impact on research at the molecular, cellular, organisma1 and environmental levels. Much of the current ferment in endocrinology is in reproductive endocrinology. The purpose of this volume on hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians and reptiles is to summarize our present understandings and to identify important research problems to be addressed in the area of comparative reproductive endocrinology. It was inspired by the gathering at Copper Mountain, Colorado, of eminent endocrine scientists from around the world on the occasion of the Tenth International Symposium on Comparative Endocrinology in July, 1985. While preparing for that meeting, we decided that a special volume on reproductive endocrinology was needed to summarize what is known and to stimulate research in particular directions. Why do we emphasize fishes, amphibians and reptiles? First, knowledge about the reproductive endocrinology of these ectothermic vertebrates can provide a clearer picture of the evolution of reproductive hormones and their effects on target organs. This comparative approach can lead to new theories about the evolution of reproductive control mechanisms. Second, studies concerning the reproductive endocrinology of "lower" vertebrates can result in development of "model systems" for application to studies of birds and mammals. Indeed, information about the patterns of reproductive control in ectothermic vertebrates can tell us which are evolutionarily stable and which are labile.

Research on the molecular aspects of fish reproduction has progressed swiftly over the past few years. With the availability of wide-ranging molecular tools, fish researchers have elucidated many of the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction which operate in the brain, pituitary and gonad. This research has revealed novel variants of reproductive hormones and their receptors, and has shed new light on the mechanisms through which many of these genes can be activated. Several of the findings, which are reported in this book, have formed the basis for subsequent mammalian research and will also constitute the platform on which new approaches to reproductive management in aquaculture can be developed.

This series of volumes represents a comprehensive and integrated treatment of reproduction in vertebrates from fishes of all sorts through mammals. It is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in each group of vertebrates as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and our understanding of reproductive events. Whereas each chapter and each volume is intended to stand alone as a review of that topic or vertebrate group, respectively, the volumes are prepared so as to provide a thorough topical treatment across the vertebrates. Terminology has been standardized across the volumes to reduce confusion where multiple names exist in the literature, and a comprehensive glossary of these terms and their alternative names is provided. A complete, essential and up to date reference for research scientists working on vertebrate hormones and reproduction - and on animlals as models in human reproductive research Covers the endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behaviour and anatomy of vertebrate reproduction Structured coverage of the major themes for all five vertebrate groups allows a consistent treatment for all Special chapters elaborate on features specific to individual vertebrate groups and to comparative aspects, similarities and differences between them

It is almost thirty years since Professor G. G. Winberg established the basis for experimental studies in fish energetics with the publication of his monograph, Rate of Metabolism and Food Requirements of Fishes. His ultimate aim was to develop a scientific approach to fish culture and management, and the immense volume of literature generated in the ensuing years has been mainly in response to the demand for information from a rapidly expanding, world-wide aquaculture industry and to the shortcomings of contemporary practices in fisheries management. The purpose of this book is not to review this literature compre hensively, but, assuming an informed readership, to focus attention on topics in which new knowledge and theory are beginning to be applied in practice. Most emphasis has been placed on food; feeding; production (growth and reproduction) and energy budgeting, as these have most influence on the development of fish culture. Some chapters offer practical advice for the selection of methods, and warn of pitfalls in previous approaches. In others the influence of new theory on the interpretation of studies in fish energetics is discussed in the context of resource allocation and adaptation. We hope that the scope of material presented here will have sufficient interest and value to help significantly to fulfil Winberg's original objectives.

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 1: Fishes is the first of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of fish reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on fishes. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as it relates to testicular and ovarian development and function. Subsequent chapters examine hormones and reproduction of specific taxa, including agnathan, chondrichthyan, and sarcopterygian fishes. The book concludes with an examination of the environmental influences on hormones and reproduction of fishes, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change. Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 1: Fishes is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in fishes, as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and a presentation of our understanding of reproductive events gained over the past decade. It may serve as a stand-alone reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of ichthyology or as one of five coordinated references aligned to provide topical treatment across vertebrate taxa for researchers, practitioners, and students focused on vertebrate endocrinology. - Covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of fish reproduction - Includes pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones - Focuses on teleosts as well as information on agnathan, chondrichthyan, and sarcopterygian fishes - Provides new coverage on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, microplastics, and climate change