Use of PCR/DNA Techniques for routine identification of fish larvae

[Darrel E. Snyder]

Researchers working with early life stages of fishes (and I'm sure other
organisms) are often unable to confidently distinguish species using
morphogical characters.  We are considering the possibility of trying to
adapt, refine, or develop molecular (e.g., PCR/DNA) techniques for routine
taxonomic diagnosis of our more troublesome taxa.  Ideally these protocols
must be reliable, quick, easy, relatively inexpensive, and require very
small amounts of tissue from fresh (frozen), alcohol-preserved, and, if
possible, formalin-preserved specimens.

We would like to hear if anyone that is already using (or developing) such
molecular techniques for "routine" determination or verification of larval
(or older) fish identity.

Darrel E. Snyder               Research Associate
Larval Fish Laboratory         Curator, LFL Collection
33J Wagar Building             Telephone: (970)491-5295
Colorado State University      Fax: (970)491-5091
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523   E-mail: DESnyder at picea.CNR.ColoState.edu
       WEB: http://www.CNR.ColoState.edu/~desnyder/desnyder.html