Research Training Program

Amy Downing
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bruce Collette, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Vertebrate Zoology
Division of Fishes

"The RTP is a very good educational experience. Overall the experience was positive. It allowed me to have exposure to many different areas of research that were previously unavailable to me."

This research focused on examining 5 nominal species of fishes in the viviparous group of the genus Dermogenys. The objectives of the project included determining the valid number of species that exist in this group, determining the characters that can be used to distinguish those species, and present a description of the valid species. In doing this, it was necessary to review the characters that have historically been used to distinguish the species. Morphometric measurements were obtained using hand calipers and meristic data was obtained from x-raying the specimens. Specimens were cleared and stained in order to describe the structure of the second anal fin ray of the males.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program ( Award: DIR-9200203).