How Your Reef Tank Can Help Marine Science | Amphipod Microbiome Research with Dr. Nathaniel Curtis
That tiny amphipod running across your sand bed may be doing a lot more than you think. In this video, Josh visits The New College of Florida to meet Dr. Nathaniel Curtis and learn about his National Science Foundation-supported research into the microbiomes of marine invertebrates - and how reef aquarium hobbyists could help provide the hundreds of real-world samples needed to take this research to the next level.
We go behind the scenes at the Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center, explore how different reef aquarium environments could influence amphipod microbiomes, and see why hobby aquariums offer something a traditional laboratory simply can't: hundreds of mature systems with completely different histories, livestock, feeding habits, filtration methods, and nutrient levels.
In this video:
- Meet Dr. Nathaniel Curtis and learn about his amphipod microbiome research
- Discover what the microbiome of an amphipod can tell us about its environment
- See why reef aquariums could provide valuable real-world research data
- Learn how tank history, nutrients, filtration, feeding, and livestock may influence amphipod microbiomes
- Go behind the scenes at The New College of Florida's marine research facilities
- See how hobbyists can collect and submit amphipod samples for the study
- Explore the research tanks, mangrove systems, and marine life supporting ongoing projects
- Learn why connecting the reef aquarium hobby with marine science could benefit both communities
Help Support the Research
Have amphipods in your reef tank? You may be able to contribute to this research.
The study is looking for aquarium hobbyists who are interested in collecting amphipod samples and providing information about their aquarium systems. The more high-quality samples and accurate tank data Dr. Curtis receives, the stronger the research becomes.
If you'd like to learn more or participate, use the link below to access the study's landing page and instructions for requesting a sample kit. The video explains the collection process and the information researchers need from participating hobbyists.
Amphipod Microbiome Project - Instructions and Data Acquisition
https://tinyurl.com/amp-ncf-wwc
OBTAINING YOUR SAMPLE KIT:
There are three ways to obtain a sample kit for this project:
1. Pick up the sample kit in person at the
WWC Superstore: 5402 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821
2. If you placed an online order with
WWC, you can send your
WWC shipping order number via email to
[email protected] with the subject line "Amphipod Microbiome Project - [your shipping number]" and it will be included in your shipment box.
3. If you would like have a sample kit sent to you, you can also send an email to Dr. Nathaniel Curtis at
[email protected]. Please include your name, mailing address, and the number of sample kits requested. We are happy to facilitate sample acquisition on a first come first served basis until an adequate number of samples are obtained.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever wondered what all those amphipods in your reef are actually doing?
And more importantly, would you be interested in contributing a sample from your own aquarium to help with marine science research? Let us know in the comments!
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