GENBAS

Behavorial and genomic aspects of cichild speciation

The main objective of this project is to define the genomic differentiation that drives the mate choice, and hence the speciation process (differential gene-expression in the brains of female fishes). This objective is persued in the Lake Tanganyika cichlid genus Ophthalmotilapia which comprises four species that occur in shallow littoral habitats and have comparable ecological preferences. The reproductive behaviour, taxonomy, phylogeny and hybridization of the four members within this genus are well documented. Hybridisation between sympatric species pairs occurs and seems to be unidirectional.

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Funding

Belgian Science Policy (BELSPO)

BRAIN-be Programme Axis 1 - Ecosystems

biodiversity, evolution