Research
Aquatic biology, ecology, and molecular science in northern Israel and beyond
Professor Degani's research integrates ecology, molecular biology, endocrinology, and environmental science to address fundamental and applied questions about how aquatic organisms live, reproduce, and adapt — with a strong emphasis on species native to Israel's Upper Galilee and the Middle East.
Research Programs
Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
This long-running research program studies the biology, ecology, and conservation of amphibian species across Israel, with particular focus on their life cycles, population dynamics, color variation, habitat requirements, and vulnerability to human-induced environmental change.
- Life cycle and reproductive ecology of fire salamanders
- Habitat ecology and distribution across Israeli landscapes
- Environmental constraints and semi-arid adaptation
- Impact of human activity on breeding sites
- Color variation as adaptive strategy
Fish Reproductive Physiology
Research into the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in teleost fish, examining the brain-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, gonadotropin gene expression, steroid hormone dynamics, and the environmental and behavioral factors that modulate reproductive cycles.
- Brain-pituitary-gonad axis regulation
- FSH, LH, and growth hormone gene expression
- Behavioral and endocrine interactions in Blue Gourami
- Vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation
- Temperature and photoperiod effects on reproduction
Molecular Sex Determination
Development of molecular tools for early sex identification in Russian Sturgeon — a species with no clear morphological sexual dimorphism until late in development. Early sex diagnosis is critical for the economics of caviar production, allowing farmers to optimize the female-to-male ratio in aquaculture facilities.
- Genetic markers for sex identification before gonadal differentiation
- Whole-genome inter-sex variation analysis
- Sex-based gonadal gene expression differences
- Application in commercial caviar farming
- Economic evaluation of early sex determination
Aquaculture and Fish Farming
Applied research into sustainable aquaculture systems, with focus on sturgeon farming for caviar in northern Israel, optimisation of closed recirculating water systems, nutritional requirements for growth and reproduction, and the emerging field of coral aquaculture.
- Sturgeon acclimatization for optimal growth conditions
- Closed recirculating water system design
- Coral aquaculture production systems
- Business analysis and economic evaluation of aquaculture innovations
- Waste management and circular approaches in fish farming
Research Illustrations
Field Research Sites
Long-term ecological monitoring and field research across northern Israel's key aquatic and semi-arid habitats.
Current Projects
1. Molecular Sex Identification in Russian Sturgeon
Early molecular sex determination before gonadal differentiation — with direct application to caviar farming in Israel.
2. Epitranscriptomic Regulation (m6A) in Fish and Amphibians
Characterising m6A RNA methylation variation across life stages and sexes in Ommatotriton vittatus and Trichogaster trichopterus.
3. Ecology of Salamandra infraimmaculata in Northern Israel
Long-term monitoring of breeding site ecology, population dynamics, and habitat threats at Sasa, Zavitan, and Dan sites.
4. Coral Aquaculture Production Systems
Developing controlled coral cultivation methods for reef restoration and investigating the commercial potential of coral-based aquaculture.