Exploring the unexpected diversity of haplochromines in the Lake Edward system
| dc.contributor.author | Vranken, N. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Van Steenberge, M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Snoeks, J. | |
| dc.date | 2018 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-03-14T13:17:09Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-03-14T13:17:09Z | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://orfeo.belnet.be/handle/internal/12210 | |
| dc.description | Haplochromine cichlids are well known for their extraordinary diversity and their ability to form adaptive radiations. They radiated in many of the East African Great Lakes, giving rise to the Lake Malawi species flock and the Lake Victoria superflock, which includes the haplochromines from lakes Albert, Edward, George, Kivu, and Victoria. Their rapid evolution, numerous ecological adaptations, and distinct colour patterns have intrigued aquarists and biologists alike. The HIPE-project investigates the human impacts on ecosystem health and resources of Lake Edward. Within the framework of this project, we perform a systematic revision of the largely-unexplored Haplochromis species assemblage of lakes Edward and George. Hitherto, only 30 of the estimated 100 species that inhabit these lakes have been formally described. As a first step in this revision, specimens are grouped based on morphological characteristics that suggest a similar ecology. For each group, a morphometric study is carried out by taking measurements and counts, which are analysed separately by principal component analyses. Additionally, qualitative characteristics are observed, species are delineated, and stomach content observations are performed to verify their ecology. Newly discovered species are formally described, while valid species are redescribed. Hitherto, 14 undescribed species were discovered and are being described. These include three species of oral snail shellers, which differ in tooth morphology and lower jaw shape; three species of paedophages, which differ in tooth number, lower jaw morphology, and caudal peduncle depth; and one insectivore with a very slender snout and lobate lips. In addition, we also discovered seven undescribed species of piscivores, which differ mainly from each other by their head and oral tooth morphologies, and their colour patterns. All species strongly resemble morphologically species from lakes Kivu and Victoria that have a similar ecology. | |
| dc.language | eng | |
| dc.title | Exploring the unexpected diversity of haplochromines in the Lake Edward system | |
| dc.type | Conference | |
| dc.subject.frascati | Biological sciences | |
| dc.audience | Scientific | |
| dc.subject.free | Vertebrates | |
| dc.source.title | PAFFA 6 | |
| Orfeo.peerreviewed | No | |
| dc.identifier.rmca | 5473 |
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