By Craig Morfitt, BFAS
I hope that most of you are aware that we have an endemic killifish living in
our local ponds. If you are not, I recommend that you read my articles on the
topic that can be found on my web-site www.morefish.com.www.morefish.com
The biggest question that faces us concerning the killifish is how many species
we have. We know that we have Fundulus bermudae but at least one research paper
has suggested the existence of a second species, Fundulus relictus. It has also
been suggested that the various ponds could each hold their own species or sub-species,
distinct from those in other ponds. Efforts have been made to avoid mixing populations
from different ponds due to the possible existence of multiple species or sub-species.
For a couple of years, at least, there has been consideration given to having
DNA testing conducted on specimens from each pond. That is the only definitive
method of determining whether multiple species exist or not.
At the January meeting, the membership decided to commit society funds towards
the goal of having the DNA testing done on the various populations. Eric Hirschberg
generously offered to match the society’s donation dollar for dollar (thanks
Eric). I’m very optimistic that the combined funds can have a meaningful
impact on the situation, although we are not yet sure how the funds will be
utilized.
Having spoken with Jennifer Gray, the Head Aquarist at the Bermuda Aquarium,
Museum & Zoo (BAMZ), it seems likely that the funds could be utilized to
pay for the lab-work that is required for the DNA testing. I have suggested
that the society members could help out by organizing and participating in the
collecting of specimens from each pond. Jennifer has suggested that a summer
intern would be required to get the relevant documentation ready for the overseas
testing. We are only beginning to explore the possibilities, so we are far from
having an answer. I am hopeful, however, that we will have a plan in place for
the summer.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the society to commit funds and our effort
towards a project that will have a significant impact on determining the diversity
of our local fish populations. The information gained from this work will assist
in determining what conservation measures are appropriate for the various ponds
and Fundulus populations. We’ll keep you informed of developments as they
occur.