While the jury is still out regarding the “necessity” of taxonomy in our microcosm of this hobby, it obviously plays a role in the academic field of science. However, recently it reared its head into the world of conservation, and sadly, not for the better. creative commons : eol Ichthyologists frequently use a method known [...]
While the jury is still out regarding the “necessity” of taxonomy in our microcosm of this hobby, it obviously plays a role in the academic field of science. However, recently it reared its head into the world of conservation, and sadly, not for the better.
creative commons : eol
Ichthyologists frequently use a method known as meristics (counting quantifiable characteristics of fish, such as scales, fin rays, etc.) in determining differentiation between groups of fish and identifying species. However, a quick jog through Fishbase will uncover that many of the species origins were not made in this century, or even the last. How much can we rely on these determinations from the scientists of yesteryear?
In 1926, biologist R.S. Clark identified the Flapper Skate and Blue Skate as the same species, Dipturus batis. And the classification went into the books, and was never questioned. However, recently, some evaluation by French Natural History biologist Samuel Iglésias has revealed that they are indeed quite different species, using not only gross appearances, but molecular analysis, researched life histories and fisheries statistics. Innocent mistake, right? Well, not exactly. Fisheries management, under the presumption that they were the same species, had never considered that different populations would involve different population management strategies, and as a result, a recent 2006 classification of Dipturus batis as a threatened species revealed that it is indeed even more dire than before. The Flapper Skate, D. intermedia, may now become the first fish species driven to extinction from overfishing. The Blue Skate, D. flossada, not far behind.
Dr. Iglésias said, “The threat of extinction for European Dipturus together with mislabeling in fishery statistics highlight the need for a huge reassessment of population for the different Dipturus species in European waters,” concluded Iglésias. “Without revision and recognition of its distinct status the world’s largest skate, D. cf. intermedia, could soon be rendered extinct.” Sadly, if it were not for Mr. Iglésias, we would have never known.
[physorg]
Related Posts
- GA Aquarium CEO leaves for Las Vegas Sands Corp
- Reef News | ORA Bellina Acropora, Euro-Reef Nano Skimmer, Clownfish Smell Leaves?, Earliest form of Sushi, Sea Monster Caught on Video
- DNA Testing Enough to Separate Species? Not for Yellow and Scopas Tangs
- Tosanoides Anthias Enter the Trade – Industry First
- Banggai Cardinalfish given endangered status, yet still commonly available
