Trait Variation in an Everglades Invasive Species: Life histories, Boldness, and Dispersal in the African Jewelfish

Abstract

My study examined variation in somatic traits, boldness, and dispersal of jewelfish across their invaded range. Life histories were examined on wild individuals.Boldness and dispersal were tested in outdoor experimental tanks. Tested populations from the invasion front have higher somatic traits, but they were not bolder than longer established populations.Understanding the underlying mechanisms of invasions are key for the development of strategies looking to contain invaders and prevent their spread.