The genome could be considered as raw data expressed in proteins and various types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, a large portion of the genome is dedicated to ncRNAs, which in turn represent a considerable amount of the transcriptome. ncRNAs are modulated on levels of type and amount whenever any physiological process occurs or as a response to external modulators. ncRNAs, typically forming complexes with other partners, are key molecules that influence diverse cellular processes. Based on the knowledge of mammalian biology, ncRNAs are known to regulate and control diverse trafficking pathways and cellular activities. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) notably have diverse and more regulatory roles than microRNAs. Expanding these studies on fish has derived the same conclusion with relevance to other species, including invertebrates, explored the potentials to harness such types of RNA to further understand the biology of such organisms, and opened gates for applying recent technologies, such as RNA interference and delivering micromolecules as microRNAs to living cells and possibly to target organs. These technologies should improve aquaculture productivity and fish health, as well as help understand fish biology.

基因组可以被视为以蛋白质和各种类型的非编码RNA（ncRNA）表达的原始数据。但是，基因组的很大一部分专用于ncRNA，而ncRNA则代表了相当数量的转录组。每当发生任何生理过程或作为对外部调节剂的响应时，ncRNA都会在类型和数量水平上进行调节。通常与其他伴侣形成复合物的ncRNA是影响多种细胞过程的关键分子。基于哺乳动物生物学的知识，已知ncRNA可调节和控制多种运输途径和细胞活动。长的非编码RNA（lncRNA）明显比microRNA具有更多且更多的调节作用。扩大对鱼类的研究得出与其他物种（包括无脊椎动物）有关的相同结论，探索了利用此类RNA来进一步了解此类生物的生物学潜力的方法，并为应用诸如RNA干扰和将诸如microRNA的小分子传递至活细胞甚至可能向靶器官等新技术敞开了大门。这些技术将提高水产养殖的生产率和鱼类健康，并有助于了解鱼类生物学。