Semi-serious fantasy research funding...

[MatsP]

If you had some decent amount of money to spend on scientific research that relates to Planet Catfish, what would you spend it on?

Here's a few of my favourite subjects:
Ancistrus review.
Panaque review.

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Mats

[racoll]

A bit boring, but probably the effect of nitrates on growth and disease in common aquarium catfish.

As far I know most of the research has been done on salmonids.

Or perhaps I'd spend the money to get rid of those pesky L numbers

[panaque]

DNA barcoding of all Loricariidae would be my priority.
This would give an objective measure of whether different L-numbers represent different species (or at least how genetically differentiated they are). It would also make it possible to trace the origin of every unknown L-number that shows up in the trade (if you're willing to take a tissue sample and sequence it) which would be nice for hobbyists but could also be used to police the import of protected populations, such as there are or will be in the future. You could then have lots more fun looking at things like the spread of different groups over the course of evolution (phylogeography) etc. etc. Calichtyidae would be next.
I work in a university and if I knew I could get the necessary specimens together I would actually apply for the funding. Meanwhile, I carry on working on insects...<sigh>

[Jools]

I'd fund a technical refresh of the site (and integrate the ACSI site into it). So, in other words, pay me to do what fall asleep thinking about... Wishful thinking indeed!

Jools