Professor Gad Degani
Emeritus Professor of Biology
MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute · Faculty of Science, Tel-Hai University · Kiryat Shmona, Israel
Professor Gad Degani is a senior researcher specializing in aquatic biology, amphibian ecology, and aquaculture physiology. His research integrates ecology, molecular biology, endocrinology, and environmental science to understand the adaptation and reproduction of aquatic organisms in the Middle East and beyond.
Areas of Expertise
Amphibian Ecology & Conservation
Life cycle, habitat ecology, and distribution of Salamandra infraimmaculata, Ommatotriton vittatus, and other species across Israel's diverse environments.
Fish Reproductive Physiology
Brain-pituitary-gonad axis, hormonal regulation, and behavioral-endocrine interactions in Blue Gourami and Russian Sturgeon.
Molecular Sex Determination
Genetic markers and molecular diagnostics for early sex identification in Russian Sturgeon, with applications in caviar production.
Aquaculture & Fish Farming
Sturgeon farming for caviar production, closed recirculating water systems, coral aquaculture, and optimization of fish growth conditions.
Epitranscriptomics
Investigating m6A RNA methylation and other epitranscriptomic modifications regulating gene expression in fish and amphibians across life stages.
Environmental Adaptation
How aquatic species adapt to semi-arid and arid environments, with field research across the Hula Valley, Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and Mount Hermon.
Current Projects
Molecular Sex Identification in Russian Sturgeon
Developing early molecular sex-determination tools for Acipenser gueldenstaedtii to optimize caviar production in Israeli aquaculture farms.
Epitranscriptomic Regulation (m6A) in Fish & Amphibians
Characterizing m6A RNA methylation variation across life stages and sexes in Ommatotriton vittatus and Blue Gourami using high-throughput sequencing.
Ecology of Salamandra infraimmaculata in Northern Israel
Long-term field study of breeding site ecology, population dynamics, and habitat threats at Sasa pools, Zavitan Stream, and Dan Stream sites.
Coral Aquaculture Production Systems
Investigating controlled coral cultivation methods for reef restoration and the commercial potential of coral-based aquaculture in Israel.