Oryzias fishes, well-known as ricefishes or medaka
fishes (Japanese), are commonly used as a model organism in various biological
research, as well as in medical and environmental sciences. This particular
group of small fish can be found widely from fresh to brackish water of
tropical, subtropical and temperate countries, from India to Japan and
throughout Asian waters. Interestingly, Sulawesi is one of the candidates for
the origin of this group of fish, where the largest number of species have been
recorded.
Since the ricefishes’ potential has been
revealed, some researchers and fish experts from over the world have initiated
the biannual international symposium. It was intended to discuss many
biological topics on this particular group of fish, from their genetics,
adaptation, habitat and environmental roles, and strengthen the international
collaboration, hence establish research groups for Oryzias species. The first international
symposium was held in Thailand in 2007 with the theme “New Asian Resources for Basic
and Applied Science”. Two years later, the second symposium was still held in
Thailand in 2009, with the theme “Oryzias – Small Fish with Big Potentials”. But
the latest one was held in Malaysia in 2011 with the theme “Important Tool for
Molecular Biology to Environmental Sciences”.
Nevertheless, more comprehensive
understanding is desired regarding the ricefish ecology. Therefore, the
incoming fourth international symposium that will be held in Indonesia was
entitled “Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences of Marine and Freshwater
Fishes”. Under this theme, the organizing committee welcomes the scientists
involving the wide variety
of topics not only on Oryzias fishes but also on other comparable or
related species.
University of Hasanuddin (UNHAS) Makassar
was pointed to arrange the 4th International
Symposium of Oryzias Fish, since it is located in Sulawesi,
which is recognized to be a center of the diversity of Oryzias species. The participants can take the
option to visit the Malili lakes, located in the center of Sulawesi, a few
hundreds km northern from Makassar City. The Makassar City geographically is
laid in the center of Indonesia, and in the center of ricefish countries, hence
more participants from many institutions are expected to be easily gathered.