Alex taking care of the shrimp cultures

With several other laboratories, we are examining the suitability of a common aquarium pet, the cherry shrimp, as a model for gene manipulation studies. This organism can be easily maintained in a laboratory environment, is capable of breeding most of the year, and can go through a complete life cycle in a relatively short period of time. We have demonstrated that it can regenerate limbs over a molt cycle in a laboratory setting. We will be testing the suitability for fertilized egg/embryo microinjection and gene editing, and are looking at genetic similarity/polymorphisms between different stocks sold in the U.S.

Hoai Pham has been involved in developing stable culturing conditions for the cherry shrimp

male cherry shrimp- pretty pale!

female cherry shrimp- they are more colorful!

Aeration and incubation of eggs removed from female

Developing eggs removed from female

juvenile shrimp…looks like the adults are happy here…