Visual factors guiding mate choice in a group of Lake Malawi cichlids (East Africa)
The cichlid fishes of the East African Lakes are noted for their explosive radiation and
vast diversification over short evolutionary time. Lake Malawi, in particular, houses a
diverse cichlid assemblage. There are numerous theories to explain this diversity that are
often linked to sexual selection through female choice. Given that males are brightly colored,
female choice cues have been thought to be primarily visual. Little, however, has been done
to investigate the visual factors used by Lake Malawi cichlids. The primary objective of my
dissertation is to ask four main questions using Lake Malawi mbuna (rock-dwellers):
(I) what spectral abilities exist across several taxa? (II) what is the role of
visual cues in interspecific mate choice? (III) what is the role of ultraviolet
radiation in mate choice and feeding, and (IV) what variation in physical
characteristics occur [sic] with attenuating light? A critical understanding of the visual factors
affecting the Lake Malawi mbuna is a necessary step in understanding the mating
systems of these fish. This understanding can aid in explaining the extreme diversity seen
in these mbuna, and comes at pivotal time because of the anthropogenic stressors that
currently threaten the integrity of the East African cichlid fish.