Unexpected Diversity of Feeding Modes among Chisel-Mouthed Ethiopian Labeobarbus (Cyprinidae)

Trophic resource partitioning is one of the main drivers adaptive radiation. The evolutionary diversification large African barbs, genus Labeobarbus, seems to be related mouth polymorphism. chisel-mouthed or scraping phenotype has repeatedly evolved within Labeobarbus. At least five ecomorphs with a morphology were detected in waters Ethiopian Highlands and can provisionally classified into two groups: (i) “Varicorhinus”-like, (ii) “Smiling”-like. Previously, all Labeobarbus scraping-mouth considered periphyton feeders. Using data on morphology, diet stable isotope ratios (C N), we addressed question: does predict feeding periphyton? Our study revealed that scraper exhibited three modes: periphyton-eating, herbivory–detritivory, (iii) insectivory. Two cases parallel divergence sympatric distinct modes (herbivory–detritivory vs. insectivory) geographically isolated basins. A significant difference ?15N values was among ecomorphs. periphytonophagous rich are comparable those piscivorous fish. This sheds light possibility utilization as protein-rich food by fishes.