This book describes in general how the chemosensory systems of fish
function at various levels. In many ways, fish are typical vertebrates
differing only slightly from other vertebrates including humans. In
other ways, their aquatic environment imposes strict requirements or
offers unique opportunities which have resulted in some unusual
functions having no counterpart in higher vertebrates. This new volume
is necessitated by advances in many vital areas as the field of chemical
senses continues to grow at a rapid pace. Most significant is the
application of the contemporary electrophysiological technique of
patch-clamping, recognition of a second messenger system in chemosensory
transduction processes and the identification of hormonal pheromones in
fish reproductive behaviour. The last major synthesis of our knowledge
about fish chemoreception, Chemoreception in Fishes, was published ten
years ago (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1982). In that volume four aspects of
fish chemoreception, Le. morphology of the peripheral chemoreceptors.
primary sensory processes, roles in behaviour, and its interactions with
environment, were discussed. This book is intended to be helpful to
students, scientists and aquacul- turists not only as a source book but
also as a textbook on chemical senses.