Biology of the East African Stomatopod

Description:

1.  Species Determination

The first research question regarding the East African Stomatopod is whether or not there are different species within certain types of underwater terrain in the tidal and near littoral zone.  

2.  Varieties

The characteristics which determine a variety within the single species include colour, size, and habitat.  

3.  Familial Relatives   

In order to study the evolution and further development of the stomatopod, it is necessary to compare all relatives of the East African Stomatopod.  

4.  DNA Sequence  

The DNA of the East African Stomatopod will be a beneficial tool in determining relationships to other stomatopods and crustaceans around the world.  

Environment :

1.  Habitat

The habitat defines the general surroundings within which the stomatopod lives;  medium, climate, weather, terrain,  and type of nest.    

2. Physical Properties - Quantitative Assessment

The environment of the stomatopod habitat will be quantitatively assessed so that all information regarding the conditions in which the animal lives can be collected  The ocean is an extremely dynamic place and provides all of the living beings within it the nutrients necessary for life.  

3. Environmental Adaptations

Life in the oceans has demanded that the animals there adapt to all types of changes in their surroundings.  Changes which affected a species millions of years ago are often visible in the ancestors of this being today.  Are their signs of recent adaptations?

Sociology:

1. Range

The amount of space in nature which an animal needs to live and reproduce is termed range.  How much territory does an East African Stomatopod require?

2. Migratory Trends

Seasonal migrations are found in many species of animal both on land and in the sea.  Often there are migrations for the purpose of reproducing.  Are these characteristics of the littoral stomatopod?

4. Peculiarities

What about the stomatopod make it extraordinarily a stomatopod?  Are they social?  Are there colonies?  Are they always found individually?

Reproduction : 

1.  Life Cycle

Crustaceans are wonders of nature and undergo several metamorphous phases before they reach the adult stage and reproduce.  In what respect is the stomatopod similar to other animals, and in what way is it divergent?  From ovum to adultus.

2. Mating

This section will describe the physical aspects of the mating process.  

3. Growth Coefficients

For each peculiarity in any number of various environmental variables the is a noted and marked growth rate.  How and under what conditions does the stomatopod develop best?

4. Life Expectancy

How long will a captive stomatopod live?  How long can an animal in the wild under optimal conditions live?

5. Breeding Possibilities

For the possibility that humans can obtain usable sustenance from the stomatopod, and for the purpose of study in a laboratory type situation, will it be possible to hatch ovum in an aquarium environment?

6. Problems in Captivity under Observation /  Special Considerations

The laboratory observations will provide an excellent opportunity to examine the stomatopod.  What will be found?

Pathology :	

This sub study is best undertaken in conjunction with the laboratory observations of the general biological study with the material and minimal samples taken.

A Broad Spectrum Study can also be achieved with a five to eight year study which would include the “Further Studies”; Biochemistry of the East African Stomatopod, Toxicology of the East African Stomatopod, Embryology of the East African Stomatopod, Histology of the East African Stomatopod, and Anatomy of the East African Stomatopod.  Quite a bit of work would be involved.

1.  Diseases

a.  Parasites

A majority of animals in the sea are the home for other animals which live in and near their host.  Are stomatopods to be categorised into this group?   If so, which parasites are present, and how do they affect the lives of their hosts? 

b.  Deformities and Mutations

Visible mutations and deformities are a good indicator of poor water quality and or disease to which attention should be paid.  Are there regularly seen cysts or tumours?  

c.  Bacteria

Which bacteria are present in and on the stomatopod.  How do these vary with environmental variables?

d.  Viri

Some viri live within host organisms without complicating the metabolism of the host. On the other hand others are deadly.  Will here be a strain of virus which is particular to the stomatopod?   Will this virus be local or wide spread?

Ecology: 

1.  Symbionts

In the world's oceans, there are many organisms which benefit and profit from the proximity to one another.  There are also amimals which share certain relationships.  Does the stomatopod take part in this type of behaviour?   Which organisms share thier ecological area with the stomatopod, and what are the interactions between these? 

2.  Prey and Predatory Impact

What does the diet of the stomatopod consits of? Are there seasonal changes in the diet of the Stomatopod?  Are thier diffferent species which rely on one single prey?  

3.  Ecological Peculiarities and Importance

Each organism reacts with it's environment in different ways.  An ecological overview provides the necessary information to observe all interactoins with the species.  What role is significant to the East African Stomatopod?  

4.  The Human Impact Factor

It can not be forgotten, that man is also a part of the oceans' ecology.  How has man affected the life of the stomatopod?  What threats from humans linger above the waters of the stomatopod?  How can possible damage be averted?   

5.  Other Factors

Climate change and weather pattern variations pose a possible threat to entire regions all over the world.  What would be expected of the stomatopod?  What impact would these ard other unforseen changes bring to the region of the East African Stomatopod?  What impact did the Tsunami of 2004 have on the littoral stomatopod?

Further Studies:	

Pleae let me reiterate, that these are additional studies and not part of the initial biological survey.

1.  Biochemistry of the East African Stomatopod

An entire spectrum of biochemic explanations.  From osmoregulation to repeoductive hormons.

2.  Toxicology of the East African Stomatopod

Toxicological findings from taken specimens, as well as individual experiments with regionally known and potential chemical dangers.

3.  Embryology of the East African Stomatopod

Crustacean embryology specific to the stomatopod families.

4.  Histology of the East African Stomatopod

Fully illustrated histology of the stomatopod families.  Best in conjunction with the biochemical study.

5.  Anatomy of the East African Stomatopod

General crusteacean anatomy with the stomatopod families as central focus point.