Methodology for Biology of the East African Stomatopod

Description:
The main component of the description process is capture, and  release of littoral stomatopod of several different chosen areas.  Four area will be designated collectoin sites, with periodical search in non determined areas for control purposes.  Using general methoed of identificaton lists of features of each sample will be entered into a computer data bank.  Data maps of the study area will serve as the main visual component.  A continually updated chart will serve as identification process.  For each collection day a protocol and survey card will be issued.  All pertinent information will be entered here in.  Samples will be identified and returned to the collection area within 24 hours.  At certain time intervals a  number of chosen samples with be held for longer periods for obervation.  
Differences in varietal flavour will be noted and illustrated.  The ara of varietal occurance will be shown on one of the many data maps of the study areas.  The differentiaton follows the rules of species desription.  The presence of closely related crustaceans will also be visuallz projected through a data map.  The DNA maps of the found species will be generated by an undetermined laboratory.  The DNA will serve as a base for determining subspecies and evolutinary change for time to come.  The visualisations will be accompanied by written conclusions.

Environment :

For each of the collecton sites an environmental survey will be conductued.  This will consist of an initial survey, and  monitoring of specific variables of interest.  The variable may include tides, weather, water temperature, salinity, suspended organic matter, light penetratoin and other factors important to the individual site.  This data will be entered into an data bank and visualised.  The data will then be interpreted and conclusoins obtained.     

Sociology:

The territorial maps of the collection areas will show the movments and ranges of both individual stomatopods, as well as general population numbers and density.  Any areas of sociological importance will be included here.  In case of migratory activity there will be a specific illustration for this event.  Along with these illustrations, a written conclusoin will be included.

Reproduction : 

Along with observation on the wild, the main tool of the life cycle study will be captive observation.  With the help of the Kenya Marine and Fischeries Research Institute there will be a true to nature aquarium erected, which will provide the necessary environment for observed repeoduction.  Illustrations of each life cycle and the mating process will be accompanied by written conclusions regarding the captive observaton and it's success or failure.  Either from wild population survey or from captive specimen, or both, the growth rates, growth rates, and growth factiors will be assessed.  A visualisation of the life expectancy will be included in the findings.  There will be a nesessary mix of information from the environmental data for these conclusions.  The complications of the methodology and changes made to accomodate unforseen variables will be discussed in the reproductive findings.  

Pathology :	

Visual inspection will serve as the main method for determining the presence of parasites and non parasitic smybionts on the body of the stomatopod.  Where there are parasites found, these, along wth the host, will be preserved in a formadehyde solution for further study.  During collection any deformed sample will also be preserved for further study.  Each specimen will be catagorized and labeld, and then entered into a data bank on a computer.  A small bacteriological station will be erected in a centrally located area, or in conjunction with KMFRI in oder to prepare bacterial cultures for microscopy and description.  If the laboratorial capacty will be available to prepare viri from the stomatopod is still a question to be answered.  At  concludion of the initinial biological study a written synopsis will accompany the visual data.  The specimen as well as catalogged inventory will be handed over to KMFRI.  In the case of external laboratory work to be sent out of Kenya, this will be requested in written form from the Ministry of Science.  

Ecology: 

Once again observation of wild populations will be the main tool for determining the symbiontal relationships within the territory of the East African Stomatopod.  
A list of possible symbionts and their interactoin will be created, and verified and or rejected within the study period.  Prey and possible prey will be listed and then tested under controlled conditions.  In the case of a filter feeding organism,  samples of the organic matter from the collection site will be taken periodically with the environmental sampling.  Plankton and zooplankton, when a part of the stomatopod diet, will be seasonally examined, and procentually visualised.   Findings on ecological importance will be published at the end of the study, and included with the visual data representations.  The impact of human behaviour on the stomatopod will be included here also.

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

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.