Genetic basis of ecologically relevant body shape variation among four genera of cichlid fishes

DeLorenzo, Leah; Mathews, D Patrick; Brandon, A. Allyson; Joglekar, Mansi; Baez, Aldo Carmona; Moore, Emily C.; Ciccotto, Patrick J.; Roberts, Natalie B.; Roberts, Reade B.; Powder, Kara E.

doi:10.1111/mec.16977

Cited by 6 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 101 publications

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“…This is an interesting result that could be at the root of the genetic background of a more complex trait. Body shape is likely governed by multiple genes of moderate to small effect (Gagnaire et al, 2013; De Lorenzo et al ., 2023). In contrast, the molecular basis of pharyngeal jaw could be regulated by a few genes of major additive effect (Albertson & Kocher, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These shifts have functional implications on body form, with littoral species repeatedly evolving deeper bodies for increased maneuverability (i.e., benthic), while pelagic species develop a more elongate, slender body shape, thought to be adapted for steady locomotion in open water (i.e., limnetic) (Robinson & Wilson, 1994). Divergence in body shape related to environmental features stands out as one of the most common patterns of diversification in fishes, with its genetic basis attributed to multiple genes of moderate to small effect (Gagnaire et al ., 2013; Rogers & Bernatchez, 2007; Feulner & Seehausen 2019, De Lorenzo et al ., 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring phenotypic diversity: a comparative analysis of cichlid convergence

Leal-Cardín,

Bracamonte,

Aldegunde

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Convergent evolution of similar phenotypes suggests some predictability in the evolutionary trajectories of organisms, due to strong and repeated selective pressures, and/or developmental constraints. In adaptive radiations, particularly in cichlid fish radiations, convergent phenotypes are commonly found within and across geographical settings. There are some main axes of cichlid morphological diversification. Recurrent changes in body patterns reveal adaption to alternative habitats, and modifications of the trophic apparatus respond to the exploitation of different food resources. Here we compare two Neotropical cichlid assemblages, the Mexican desert cichlid, and the Nicaraguan Midas cichlid, with similar polymorphic body and trophic apparatus patterns despite their independent evolution and evaluate morphological and gene expression convergence and divergence. We found a single morphological axis of differentiation in pharyngeal jaws with equivalent papilliform and molariform morphotypes in both cichlid radiations. In contrast, we found two different axes of differentiation in the shape of the body, defining two alternative limnetic body patterns. Genetic differences between morphotypes seem to be specific to each radiation, with no clear patterns of convergence.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring phenotypic diversity: a comparative analysis of cichlid convergence

Leal-Cardín,

Bracamonte,

Aldegunde

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Isolation, sequencing, and genotype calls are fully described in [ 42 ]. Briefly, genomic DNA was extracted from caudal fin tissue, used to generate ddRADseq libraries, and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq with 100bp paired end reads.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distinct genetic origins of eumelanin levels and barring patterns in cichlid fishes

Brandon,

Michael,

Carmona Baez

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Pigment patterns are incredibly diverse across vertebrates and are shaped by multiple selective pressures from predator avoidance to mate choice. A common pattern across fishes, but for which we know little about the underlying mechanisms, is repeated melanic vertical bars. To understand the genetic factors that modify the level or pattern of vertical barring, we generated a genetic cross of 322 F2 hybrids between two cichlid species with distinct barring patterns, Aulonocara koningsi and Metriaclima mbenjii. We identify 48 significant quantitative trait loci that underlie a series of seven phenotypes related to the relative pigmentation intensity, and four traits related to patterning of the vertical bars. We find that genomic regions that generate variation in the level of eumelanin produced are largely independent of those that control the spacing of vertical bars. Candidate genes within these intervals include novel genes and those newly-associated with vertical bars, which could affect melanophore survival, fate decisions, pigment biosynthesis, and pigment distribution. Together, this work provides insights into the regulation of pigment diversity, with direct implications for an animal’s fitness and the speciation process.

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“…The diversity of feeding habits of Lake Malawi cichlids, and the ability to causally link morphological differences in craniofacial morphology to these ecological niches, has enabled integrative genetic and morphological studies examining the evolution of these traits 22–25 . More recent studies have expanded the scope beyond craniofacial phenotypes, including pigmentation patterning 26–28 ; body and fin shape 19,29 and axial elongation 18 . In parallel, aided by developments in whole-genome sequencing technologies 6 , it has been possible to considerably improve our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among Lake Malawi cichlids 4,9,30,31 .…”

Section: Background and Summarymentioning

confidence: 99%

A whole-body micro-CT scan library that captures the skeletal diversity of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes

Bucklow,

Genner,

Turner

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Here we describe a dataset of freely available, readily processed, whole-bodyμCT-scans of 56 species (116 specimens) of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes that captures a considerable majority of the morphological variation present in this remarkable adaptive radiation. We contextualise the scanned specimens within a discussion of their respective ecomorphological groupings and suggest possible macroevolutionary studies that could be conducted with these data. We also describe a methodology to efficientlyμCT-scan (on average) 23 specimens per hour, limiting scanning time and alleviating the financial cost whilst maintaining high resolution. We demonstrate the utility of this method by reconstructing 3D models of multiple bones from multiple specimens within the dataset. We hope this dataset will enable further morphological study of this fascinating system and permit wider-scale comparisons with other cichlid adaptive radiations.

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Genetic basis of ecologically relevant body shape variation among four genera of cichlid fishes

Abstract: Body shape variation is common across all vertebrates and has important consequences for an animal's ecology, locomotion,

Cited by 6 publications

References 101 publications

Exploring phenotypic diversity: a comparative analysis of cichlid convergence

Exploring phenotypic diversity: a comparative analysis of cichlid convergence

Distinct genetic origins of eumelanin levels and barring patterns in cichlid fishes

A whole-body micro-CT scan library that captures the skeletal diversity of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes

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