Symbiodinium Research Experiment

[rsmith05]

Dear fellow aquarists,

The Coral Culture Laboratory at Florida International University is looking for advanced aquarists to participate in a Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae) diversity study. The overall focus of our laboratory’s research utilizes molecular techniques to investigate patterns of diversity of corals and their endosymbionts (see http://www.fiu.edu/~lajeunes/ ). More specifically, we are interested in understanding the stability and/or flexibility of coral-algal symbioses and the implications to global climate change. We have learned that while some associations between host species and algal “type� may be somewhat flexible, a vast majority of these associations are highly specialized and display no propensity to change (see LaJeunesse et al., 2005. Coral Reefs, 24: 157-159 at http://www.fiu.edu/~lajeunes/LaJeunesseetal%202005.pdf ). To investigate the stability of these specialized symbioses, we have genetically typed the symbiont populations from a few host specimens maintained in aquaria for several years. Preliminary analyses reveal that the expected “natural� symbiont types of these hosts have persisted in the artificial environment of an aquarium for periods of up to 6 years.

To substantiate these preliminary results, we are looking for aquarists willing to donate small coral fragments (~2cm) for genetic analyses. Specifically, we need specimens belonging to the genera Montipora and Porites (originating from the Pacific) that have been maintained in aquaria for a period of at least 1 year. Common examples may include (but not limited to): M. digitata, M. capricornis, M. foliosa, M. angulata, M. meandrina, M. millepora, M. danae, M. undata, P. lobata, P. cylindrica, P. annae, P. nigrenscens, P. lutea, P. rus).

Additionally, it would be useful (although not critical) to have a detailed description of the aquarium conditions and history of the host colony (i.e. lighting, water parameters, location of the host specimen, descriptive color and/or growth morphology, origin of host specimen if known, other host species maintained, etc.). Findings from this investigation will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal with acknowledgment given to participating aquarists.

To participate in this study, please e-mail Robin Smith (rsmith05@fiu.edu) with a description of host species available and estimated time period in culture for each host colony. Arrangements will be made to ship out sample vials containing preservation buffer and instructions for sampling as well as return shipping account information.

Thanks

[RiddleLabs]

Aloha Robin,

A PM to you was apparently lost, so I'll go public. I can provide samples of Pavona (recovered from bleaching episode), two species each of Porites and Pocillopora. I can provide pertinent information, including PPFD, lamp spectral quality and, of course, specimen history.

Mahalo!
Dana Riddle

[mhurley]

Hi Dana!

I think sending an email to the person he mentions (Robin Smith) in the post is probably best. I don't think she has been back on here since she posted this, so I don't expect she'll see the PM.

I'm going to email Robin as well.

[RiddleLabs]

Aloha Mike,

Thanks, and will do. I hope RCers will take advantage of this offer.
The potential implications of this work are staggering.

For this offer anyway, the researchers have the keys. Hobbyists can provide the locks. A tremendous learning opportunity for everyone.

Dana

[GreshamH]

Looks good, I'll put the call out to my local club. I personally can supply most of the sp. listed.

I'll email Robin, like Mike suggested

[Agu]

I'll be sending samples..........

[piercho]

I finally got a box with 6 capped vials filled with a clear fluid and some small sheets of lab film. There was also a FedEx Returns shipping label with the box. No directions...

I'm suppose to:
Take the film off of the vials, take off the caps, and put a coral fragment in each vial?
Put the cap back on and use the lab film provided to wrap around the cap?
Repack the box and attach the return label? My place of work gets regular Fedex pickups, can I just drop it in with the outgoing FedEx?
Is this time-critical material, like it needs to get back to Todd within so many days?

[RiddleLabs]

piercho,

Each vial should be marked with the coral genus. So, pop the coral fragment into the solution, re-cap, seal with parafilm. FedEx suggested I pack the box with one of their large mailing envelopes and attach the shipping label to that.

Last I spoke with Robin, he was going to set up the electrophorsis next week and begin.

Dana

[piercho]

Dana,
very helpful, especially the mailing envelope thing, thanks.