The preface to Volume I of “Fish Physiology” noted that a six-volume
treatise would attempt to review recent advances in selected areas of fish
physiology, to relate these advances to the existing body of literature, and to
delineate useful areas for future study. The hope expressed at that time was
that the series would serve the biologists of the 1970s as its predecessor “The
Physiology of Fishes” (M. E. Brown, editor) has served its readers throughout
the 1960s. Our general objectives remain, but with Volumes VII (Locomotion)
and VIII (Bioenergetics and Growth) the emphasis has been somewhat
altered; these later volumes presented in-depth reviews and
assessments of current research in selected areas of fish physiology4specially
areas where advances have been particularly rapid during the past
decade. In keeping with this concept, we are pleased to add to the series
Volumes IXA and IXB on fish reproduction.