Emily Drummond Testing allozymes for the identification of larval sunfish (Centrarchidae) from Ebaugh and Middleton ponds Division Sciences Department Biology Year 2004 Advisor Jessica Rettig

Although identification guides exist for larval freshwater fish, the variable morphology of larvae leads to uncertainty in identification.  Cellulose acetate electrophoresis, an alternate identification method, was used to identify unknown larval fish from two ponds on Denison University’s campus; the ultimate goal being to see the composition of larvae.  I experimented with five allozymes for identifying species of sunfish (Centrarchidae): Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH).  The adult fish trials showed that GPI and LDH were the best allozymes to distinguish between sunfish.  Of the unknown larvae that resolved, all were found to be bluegill.  I found that the best procedure used a paper clip for grinding and the GPI stain.  Average larval density (#/m3) was compared on each collection date and Middleton pond was found to have more bluegill larvae earlier in the year compared to Ebaugh pond.