Step closer to coelacanth cloning

2003-05-14 11:01

Sodwana Bay - Scientists in South Africa announced on Tuesday that they have established a cell line dating back some 400 million years for a "four-legged" fish that has remained unchanged since prehistoric times.

For the first time ever cell tissue was removed from a rare live coelacanth ? one of at least 18 known to inhabit the shallow waters off the coast of Sodwana Bay? and prepared for cultivation earlier this month.

"We actually managed to keep the cells alive for two weeks, but then we lost them due to bacteria," said Professor Rosemary Dorrington co-ordinator of the Coelacanth Genome Studies Programme.

"Our data shows that it is feasible to establish a cell line," she said.

The breakthrough could pave the way for the cloning of the unique marine creature once thought to have been extinct, said Dorrington.

For now scientists hope to shed light on the genetic nature of the mysterious marine creature that moves with the rhythm of a four-legged land animal.

'Unculturable organisms'

To date, she explained, coelacanth have been considered "unculturable organisms" because of its international classification as an endangered species prohibits invasive examination.

Its unique environment ? one that is difficult to recreate in a laboratory ? also makes the study of the creature extremely difficult.

"Working with the cells was the next best thing to having a real live specimen," she said.

A second attempt at obtaining coelacanth cell tissue is planned for next April, she confirmed.

Population at 18

South Africa launched its coelacanth programme a year ago after recreational divers encountered several of the fish in underwater caves off the coast of Sodwana Bay in northern KwaZulu Natal.

The latest count by a team of German scientists using a state-of-the-art submersible craft this month put the size of the Sodwana Bay population at 18, seven more than exactly a year ago.

Apart from obtaining skin cells, the team was also able to tag one of the fish using ultrasound technology in a bid to learn more about the movements of the animals, their feeding habits and ultimately the size of the population.

"The team undertook 19 dives. Coelacanth were spotted on all but three dives in ten of the more than 100 caves in the area," said Dr Tony Ribbink of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

"We believe there are more than 18 of the fish, but looking for them is like hunting at night in the mist for leopards in caves," he said. - Sapa-DPA

- SAPA