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FRESHWATER CRAYFISH | 2008| vol. 16| Research Article
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Full Citation: Bunn JJS, Koenders A, Austin CM and Horwitz P (2008). Identification of hairy, smooth and hybrid marron (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in the Margaret River: morphology and allozymes. Freshwater Crayfish 16: 113-121.
Abstract:
The critically endangered hairy marron, Cherax tenuimanus, is endemic to the Margaret River, Western Australia, and is under
the threat of extinction due to its rapid replacement by the introduced smooth marron, Cherax cainii. Cherax tenuimanus now only occurs in
sympatry with C. cainii and is almost exclusively found in pools in the forested upper reaches of the Margaret River. An important component
of the conservation effort to preserve the hairy marron involves the removal of smooth and hybrid marron, which in turn requires accurate
identification. Four allozyme markers (esterase, and three peptidase loci) that can genetically distinguish hairy, smooth, and hybrid marron
were used to test the accuracy of field identifications based on diagnostic morphology of individuals (principally the nature of the median
carina and the setae on the carapace). Results show that C. tenuimanus can be readily distinguished from hybrids (F1 and backcrosses) and
C. cainii using morphology alone. Consistently distinguishing between C. cainii and hybrids was more difficult in the field, but this will be
of lesser importance for management operations. A field guide for marron in the Margaret River can be produced to ensure correct identification
of C. tenuimanus and permit community involvement in conservation efforts aimed at removing C. cainii and hybrids, and assisting the
recovery of the C. tenuimanus population.
Keywords: allozymes; Cherax cainii; Cherax tenuimanus; community involvement; hybrid identification; morphology; species replacement
Article Language: English
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