Ultraviolet reflectivity in three species of Lake Malaŵi rock‐dwelling cichlids

Cichlid fishes constitute one of the most species-rich families of vertebrates. In addition to complex social behaviour and morphological versatility, they are characterised by extensive diversity in colouration, both within and between species. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying colour variation in this group and the selective pressures responsible for the observed variation. We specifically address the evidence for the hypothesis that divergence in colouration is associated with the evolution of reproductive isolation between lineages. While we conclude that cichlid colours are excellent models for understanding the role of animal communication in species divergence, we also identify taxonomic and methodological biases in the current research effort. We suggest that the integration of genomic approaches with ecological and behavioural studies, across the entire cichlid family and beyond it, will contribute to the utility of the cichlid model system for understanding the evolution of biological diversity.

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“…[35,36]), and several cichlids can perceive UV light (e.g. [37]), little is known about the role of UV in cichlid visual communication [38].…”

Section: Cellular and Molecular Basis Of Cichlid Colouration And Colomentioning

confidence: 99%

Colour variation in cichlid fish: Developmental mechanisms, selective pressures and evolutionary consequences

Maan

Sefc

2013

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology

187

149

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“…Therefore, in contrast to Nile Tilapia, the visual system and indeed other sensory modalities such as olfaction, the mechanoreceptive lateral line system and hearing, may have become more specialized in lake-dwelling cichlid species that have evolved in relatively more stable conditions and tend to utilize specific microhabitats and feeding strategies. Despite increasing interest in the sensory biology of cichlids in recent years, especially with regard to the visual system (e.g., Jordan et al 2004Jordan et al , 2006Parry et al 2005;Carleton et al 2008;Hofmann et al 2009Hofmann et al , 2010, this remains to be tested, but the Great Lakes cichlids and their riverine ancestors provide ample opportunity to investigate the evolution of different sensory strategies.…”

Section: Implications For Visual Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cichlids have diverse visual systems and vision is thought to have played an important role in the explosive radiations of these fishes (Kocher 2004;Hofmann et al 2009Hofmann et al , 2010. Eyes are specifically adapted to the lifestyles of the animals that bear them (Land and Nilsson 2002) and the Great Lakes cichlids have become model systems for the study of the evolution of visual systems, especially in relation to nuptial colour patterns and speciation through sensory drive (Jordan et al 2004(Jordan et al , 2006Parry et al 2005;Maan et al 2006;Carleton et al 2008;Seehausen et al 2008;Hofmann et al 2009Hofmann et al , 2010. Therefore the visual system of the Nile Tilapia is of great interest in relation to the evolution of the visual systems of the Great Lakes cichlids.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ocular dimensions and cone photoreceptor topography in adult Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Lisney

Hawryshyn

2010

Environ Biol Fish

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Information on the anatomy of the eye and the topography of cone photoreceptor cells in the retina is presented for the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In adults, the shape and proportions of the ocular components of the prominent eye conform to the general form of fish eyes, as determined using cryo-sectioned eyes. The lens is approximately spherical and there is little variation in the distance from the centre of the lens to the border between the choroid and retina at a range of angles about the optical axis. The average ratio of the distance from the centre of the lens to the retina: lens radius (Matthiessen's ratio) is 2.44:1. In retinal wholemounts, single and double (twin) cone photoreceptors, forming a square mosaic, are present. Peak photoreceptor densities for both morphological cone types are found in the temporal retina. Using peak cone densities and estimates of focal length from cryo-sectioned eyes, visual acuity is calculated to be 5.44 cycles per deg. The lack of apparent specific ocular or retinal specializations and the relatively low visual acuity reflect the lifestyle of the Nile Tilapia and may allow it to adapt to changes in visual environment in its highly variable natural habitat as well as contributing to the 'ecological flexibility' of this species.

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“…Male nuptial colors may also be a signal used between males (Jordan et al 2004;Seehausen and Schluter 2004;Pauers et al 2008;Jordan et al 2010). Pauers et al (2008) found that males show higher levels of aggression toward similarly colored heterospecifics than towards the phylogenetically more closely related, but differently colored, heterospecific males.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Female preference in the context of male–male interactions in Maylandia zebra of Lake Malawi

Mellor

Wilt

Gershenson

et al. 2011

J Ethol

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The mbuna cichlids of Lake Malawi are a diverse, monophyletic, and recently derived clade. Sexual selection is thought to have accelerated their rapid diversification, though the mechanism by which this has occurred remains unknown. In this study, we examine the effect that male-male interactions have on female preference. We first used a short interaction experiment as a proxy for male dominance. We then measured female preference for (1) a single, isolated male; (2) a group of three, highly ranked males, relative to a group of lower ranked males; and (3) a group of three, mixed-ranked males against a similar group of mixed-rank males. We found that male dominance was highly correlated with male standard length. Female preference for male standard length and for dominance rank was significant in both isolated and group interactions. However, females only showed preference for groups of interacting males when males were segregated by dominance rank, not when groups were composed of both dominant and subordinate males. The results suggest that male-male contests influence female mating decisions. By investigating the rules that dictate the outcomes of such interactions we can elucidate the role that behavior plays in the diversification of this species-rich lineage.

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Ultraviolet reflectivity in three species of Lake Malaŵi rock‐dwelling cichlids

Cited by 21 publications

References 13 publications

Colour variation in cichlid fish: Developmental mechanisms, selective pressures and evolutionary consequences

Colour variation in cichlid fish: Developmental mechanisms, selective pressures and evolutionary consequences

Ocular dimensions and cone photoreceptor topography in adult Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Female preference in the context of male–male interactions in Maylandia zebra of Lake Malawi

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