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UCL Culture Blog


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Grant Museum Show’n’Tell: Soda Lakes

By Dean W Veall, on 5 November 2014


Guest blogger Irrum Ali






Four ifferent species of cichlid fish

Four different species of cichlid fish

In the form of a Q&A, we were taken on a trip to the east African soda lakes that straddle the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. Antonia’s research focus lies with two of these alkaline water bodies and their inhabitants: Lake Magadi and Lake Natron.

As they are part of the Great Rift Valley, the area has all the characteristics of a volcanic region and these lakes are uniquely surrounded by hot springs.

Antonia’s research centres on the speciation and diversity of the lakes’ cichlid fish. Much of this research has been focused on mapping the genetic differences between different species. Also explained was how this has informed understanding of how cichlids adapt to their environment, an environment which is subject to extreme conditions due to the volcanic climate. With a mix of lab-based and fieldwork techniques, Antonia and her fellow researchers have contributed to increasing knowledge of their complex breeding and living behaviours.

It was particularly helpful to have all this illustrated through maps and images so we could follow the description with useful pointers. Also interesting was a delve into the life of a PhD researcher: Antonia was asked to explain further the hard work involved with fieldtrips to east Africa (early morning starts and plenty of sampling, as well as angling). We also heard how in-depth analysis of carbon deposits and isotope traces are vital to her research in reaching any conclusions. Hearing about the collaboration with Kenya and Tanzania institutes and researchers was a nice addition.

Asked about how her work influences other future research, Antonia explained how this niche area of fieldwork and exploration can assist in a wider understanding of local and international fish farming and agriculture, as well as generally informing how species vary and evolve. The techniques used in her research would also be of use to other researchers and studies.

The talk concluded with a description of what cichlid fish are actually like. Two short videos gave us an insight into how these tiny fish behave, move and even mate, and usefully illustrated just now tiny and agile these creatures really are.

Proving that the Grant Museum continues be a hidden gem in the heart of London, Show’n’Tell events are an enjoyable and excellent opportunity to learn from some of UCL’s top academics and researchers.



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