The basics and mechanisms of a current radiation in Chromaphyosemion Killifish (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes)

• Applicant: Dr. Harald Kullmann
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: from 2002 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5362404

At present, the Killifish of the Chromaphyosemion (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) species group are undergoing a vigorous radiation process in the coastal plains of Cameroon and the adjacent countries. This monophyletic group of sexually dimorphic, small fishes is already split up in circa 16 species, each with a variety of distinct sub-species and specificable local populations. In many cases, these populations do not only differ in male coloration, but also in karyotype (2n = 38 to 2n = 20). The main goal of this project is to uncover the mechanisms and processes underlying this radiation process. The questions under investigation are basically the role of mating system and sexual selection in speciation and radiation, the correlation between changes of karyotype and speciation, and whether this radiation is linked to ecological differentiation (adaptive radiation) or not (unadaptive radiation). Three different approaches are planned to reach our goals: Field observations (paired with detailes description of the different habitats), controlled experiments in our own aquarium system and karyological examinations in the laboratory.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1127: Radiations - Origins of Biological Diversity