Speciation and adaptive radiation in Neotropical cichlid fish species complexes

Speciation and adaptive radiation in a cichlid fish species complex from Mexico

I am conducting research on one of the most fascinating and intriguing species of cichlid fish, Herichthys minckleyi, endemic to the Cuatro Cienegas valley in the Chihuahuan desert, Mexico. H. minckleyi is a species which is found in large numbers throughout most of the hundreds of streams and lagoons in the valley. The Cuatro Cienegas cichlids have been compared to the radiation of the Lake Victoria cichlids that similarly has been achieved through adaptation to different ecological niches, however there is a need for a genetic approach to the problem. Lack of genetic studies on this species could be leading to a high underestimation of the genetic variability contained within this species. Unfortunately, similarly as well to the situation in Lake Victoria, these fish are endangered due to degradation and reduction of their habitat. I am presently conducting research that will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the genetics, ecology and behavior of this species complex, which is crucial if we are to understand its ecological needs and the best way of managing their preservation.

Ecological Opportunity and Character Release in cichlid fish from Nicaragua

Additionally to working on the radiation of cichlids from Mexico I am also working on the origins of the radiation of cichlid fish from Nicaraguan lakes. Nicaragua has two large old lakes and several small crater lakes of younger age. The crater lakes of Nicaragua are known for their adaptive radiations of cichlid fish. Several species of cichlids have colonized these recently formed crater lakes and evolved rapidly adapting to different habitats and trophic niches. The sources of these radiations are the populations from the large Nicaraguan lakes, which contain the oldest and genetically most diverse cichlid fish fauna. Cichlids have repeatedly colonized the young crater lakes where they were free to occupy novel unoccupied niches and exploit new resources. I am currently using geo-morphometric data, stable isotopes and stomach content data to analyse the eco-morphospace used by fish communities both in the large lakes and in the crater lakes. My objective is to test if reduced competition and the possibility to exploit new resources when colonizing the crater lakes has lead to an increase in the eco-morphospace of cichlid species.