The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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Fishing for DNA

Biologists study specimens on many levels.  They look at the organism’s physical characteristics, behavioural trends, habitat and much more.  When biologists collect DNA, they are able to see larger connections between that specimen and ecosystems from other regions.

Researcher Note:
Landing a barracuda on the back of the boat is a challenging and dangerous task.  We aim to cause the least amount of stress before releasing them, whilst making sure we are safe from their huge teeth and powerful jaws.

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Hero Objects

In a wide shallow display case on the Museum's floor are many colourful coral resting on sand.

Coral reef life box

Coral communities

The blue room

The Blue Room

Interactive Experience

In the corridor leading to the Down Under gallery is a white wall with a sculpture of coral on it. Colours are projected onto it.

Coral Wall

Interactive Experience

A person standing on a boat with a fishing rod has caught something, the rod is sharply bent downward.

Fishing for DNA.
Credit: WA Museum

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.