Fishes of South Australia

The South Australian Museum has begun a large research program to investigate the evolution and biodiversity of the state's fish fauna.

It is timely with the start of a new century to review the classification and status of our fishes by using modern molecular genetic methods. These methods are based primarily on analysis of genetic variation in DNA. DNA is the molecule that holds all the genetic information necessary for an organism to live and reproduce. By using the information about the evolutionary history of the species that is contained in DNA, we will know more accurately how many species there are, where they live, and how they are related to one another. This information is the starting point for managing fishes as a recreational and commercial resource, and for ensuring their conservation.

How will the study of variation in DNA help us study our fishes?

Although the research collection at the South Australian Museum began in the late 1800's, it has only been in the last decade or so that analysis of variation in DNA from the many different species of fishes has become a practical reality. Specimens collected in the past are generally not suitable for DNA analysis because the DNA is degraded by the commonly used preservative - formalin. This makes it necessary to collect at least one specimen of each species of fish from South Australian waters to provide DNA samples for the research program.

Once a DNA sample is available the scientists in the South Australian Museumâs Evolutionary Biology Unit will determine a genetic profile for some genes from each of the species. These gene profiles comprise DNA sequences that are effectively like the barcode used to identify goods purchased in supermarkets. Because this information is digital it can be transferred in electronic format between interested parties anywhere in the world. We will also store digital images of the fish themselves, these can be emailed to anyone requesting more information of those species.

As an example of how this might be used, letâs say that a recreational fisher in Ceduna has caught a very unusual fish. The fisher could email a digital image to the museum specialist who then might request that either the specimen or a scale (the latter for DNA based identification) is sent to the museum for closer examination. The museum specialist could then email other images from the collection for the fisher to compare with their specimen. Finally if the specimen proves to be of a needed species the fisher may be asked to take the extra effort required to preserve the specimen and donate it to the museumâs research collection as people from South Australia have been doing since the mid-1800âs.

What are the benefits of better classifications and better tools for identification?

The more that the classification of organisms reflects their shared evolutionary history the more we can predict their biological properties, such as behaviour, ecology, and genetical makeup. This can have the advantage of reducing the amount of scientific investigation required for each individual species.

The availability of a DNA sequence database for all the species in the State will make identification of species more reliable and in some cases make identification of fish larvae or eggs or trace samples such as individual scales either possible or more rapid and reliable.

By keeping the specimens from which the DNA samples have been taken (called voucher specimens) we will have a permanent record also of the appearance of each specimen. Some of these may turn out to be species that have not been described before. In these cases our researchers can prepare formal descriptions of the species for standard identification methods.

This collection is of international importance because scientists in other parts of the world can borrow our voucher specimens or DNA samples for their research programs. Likewise we will be able to borrow specimens from their collection to help us identify and compare the biology of the species in our waters.

How can you help?

The number of fish species known from South Australian waters is in excess of 727, so it will take some time to collect the necessary samples. However, this task will be greatly facilitated by the participation of the public. Recreational fishing is an immensely popular pastime in South Australia. Members of the public can assist by bringing or sending to the museum, fresh or frozen specimens of any of the many species that we have yet to collect. Remember that all current fishing regulations and laws are to be observed.

From time to time we will conduct research projects on particular fish species for a variety of reasons. At present we are interested in a little known ray called the Magpie Fiddler. You can read more about this project here.

A list of the species that are yet to be collected will be posted shortly on this page.

Fisheries regulations must be adhered to when catching fish even if they are handed into the museum. You can view the current fisheries regulations by clicking here.

Some of the South Australian National Parks & Wildlife offices can receive fish specimens for the museum as they have freezers available to store them. These offices are:

South East Mt Gambier: 8735 1112

KI - Murrays Lagoon: 8553 8233

Port Lincoln: 8682 6015

Ceduna: 8625 3144

For further information on this research program contact

Stephen Donnellan, (82077479, Evolutionary Biology Unit)

Mark Hutchinson (82077461, Vertebrate Department)