DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Phylogenetics of the Lamprologini (Teleostei: Cichlidae) Based on Morphology and Molecules

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Lamprologines, a model group for studying the evolution and speciation ofAfrican Great Lake cichlids, have been included in several recent molecular studies.However, these studies have used only one or two genes, and have included fewer than athird of lamprologine species, while neglecting the diversity of riverine cichlids in Westand Central Africa. None have employed morphology. This study will thoroughlyinvestigate lamprologine phylogenetics using both morphology and DNA sequences fromseveral mitochondrial and nuclear genes, exhaustively sampling both Congo River andLake Tanganyika lamprologines and diverse outgroups, including other lacustrinelineages and a complete sampling of riverine cichlids from West and Central Africa. Byresolving the placement of lamprologines within the African cichlid radiation, this studywill greatly improve knowledge of cichlid phylogeny. Within lamprologines, it will shedlight on intriguing evolutionary questions, including the number and nature of transitionsbetween rivers and lakes, the evolution of shell-dwelling and concomitant miniturization,and the extent of morphological convergence within the group. In addition to improvingour understanding of speciation in large tropical lakes, these new phylogenetic insightswill assist policy makers in planning conservation strategies.