We are very fortunate to host Dr. Benjamin Victor during our upcoming 100 Fish ID class on Thursday, Oct 2nd at 7 pm at REEF HQ.   Dr. Victor will give a lecture on "New Information on Gobies & Blennies".  The discussion will include where to find the different species & troublesome ID's (we can all use this help!).  
 
 
Dr. Victor is diving with us next week to collect goby & blenny specimens for his research to genetically define these species.  His DNA research has led to new species being identified, an example of his findings can be read here http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf3.pdf.   This paper captures the changes & challenges occurring in the fish ID world as DNA is used to differentiate species that up until now had been differentiated based on phenotype (observable characteristics such as appearance, development &/or behavior ).  "Genotype is an organism's full hereditary information while phenotype is an organism's actual observed properties, such as morphology, development, or behavior. This distinction is fundamental in the study of inheritance of traits and their evolution" (Wikipedia).

 
Dr. Victor's CV is much too long to detail but he holds multiple degrees, doctorates and certifications. He is a professor at the University of California, has earned many honors and is a prolific author of scientific papers (http://www.coralreeffish.com/index.htm).  His primary interest is in the larval ecology of coral reef fishes and its role in determining biogeography and population dynamics. More recently, he has been developing a web-guide to the identification of reef fish larvae. That pursuit linked him with the Barcode of Life project, which uses a particular mitochondrial DNA sequence as a "barcode" for characterizing all species.
 
 
Dr. Victor is affiliated with the Guy Harvey Research Institute and works with the director on tagging sharks and with genetic studies involving a variety of teleost fish and elasmobranch species. He is CEO of the Ocean Science Foundation (non-profit ocean research foundation) that facilitates coral reef research by providing a research platform to conservation and academic NGOs (non-governmental organizations).
 
 
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from one of the leading global experts.  We hope to see you at REEF HQ on Thursday, Oct 2nd at 7 pm