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Keeping amphioxus in the laboratory: an update on available husbandry methods
João E Carvalho1, François Lahaye, Michael Schubert
1Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer, Observatoire Océanologique de Villefranche-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|January 11, 2018
Summary
Cephalochordates, like amphioxus, are vital marine models for understanding vertebrate evolution. This study details essential laboratory methods for rearing five key species, aiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cephalochordates (amphioxus/lancelets) are marine invertebrates crucial for studying vertebrate origins.
- They share key chordate features with vertebrates, making them valuable model organisms.
- Understanding their husbandry is essential for advancing research into evolutionary developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and present current methodologies for maintaining and rearing cephalochordates in laboratory settings.
- To provide practical protocols for five key species: Branchiostoma lanceolatum, B. floridae, B. belcheri, B. japonicum, and Asymmetron lucayanum.
- To identify challenges and suggest improvements for cephalochordate animal husbandry.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and protocols for cephalochordate capture and transport.
- Detailed description of aquaculture techniques, including feeding strategies for adults.
- Protocols for controlling gonad development, inducing spawning, and cultivating embryos and larvae.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive overview of methods for five distinct cephalochordate species.
- Practical guidance on adult maintenance, reproduction, and larval rearing.
- Observations from European amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) facility included.
Conclusions:
- This work offers a vital resource for researchers using cephalochordates as model organisms.
- Standardized husbandry protocols are key to improving the reliability and reproducibility of studies.
- Further advancements in animal husbandry will enhance the utility of cephalochordates in evolutionary and developmental research.
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