The Genetic Status of Australian Populations of the Small Pearl Oyster
We have been using protein electrophoresis to examine the relationships of Japanese and Australian populations of the small pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata.
These studies have revealed the presence of two genetic species in the Australian populations. Although the mean values of several of these species' shell characters differ significantly, some overlap is found for all characters. The species are locally sympatric over a very broad geographic area. The larger Australian species is very similar genetically to the only species found in Japan (P. imbricata) and it is almost certainly conspecific with this. Potentially, genetic material from the two countries could be interchanged for breeding programs. The establishment of an effective pearl fishery on the eastern Australian seaboard will require effective prevention of stock contamination by individuals of the second imbricata-like species.
Participants
Dr Winston Ponder, Centre for Evolutionary Research
Dr Don Colgan
Copyright © 2003, Australian Museum
