"Vertebrates possess a complex immune system, characterized by both innate and acquired responses. This is as true for fish as for other vertebrate groups. In recent years our knowledge of the fish immune system has increased enormously, aided by the available genome and EST resources that can be analyzed in silico for gene discovery. Studies aimed at understanding the evolution of immunity within the vertebrates, as well as those aimed at improving the health of farmed fish for human consumption, can benefit from this wealth of new information. In this book, these current advances on fish defenses are reviewed and perspectives for future research are outlined. This book will be of interest to scientists involved in fish immunology, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as students of fish biology." --Book Jacket.