Tooth shape is a hallmark of repeated evolutionary radiations among cichlid fishes from East Africa. Cusp shape and number vary both within populations and among closely related species with different feeding behaviors and ecologies. Here, we use histology and scanning electron microscopy to chart the developmental trajectory of tooth shape differences in fishes from Lake Malawi. We demonstrate...

African cichlid fishes have repeatedly evolved highly specialized modes of feeding through adaptations of their oral jaws. Here, we explore the molecular genetic basis of the opening and closing lever mechanisms of the cichlid lower jaw, which have traditionally been used to describe the mechanics of feeding behavior in bony fishes. Quantitative genetic analyses demonstrate that the opening and...

The evolution of cone opsin genes is characterized by a dynamic process of gene birth and death through gene duplication and loss. However, the forces governing the retention and death of opsin genes are poorly understood. African cichlid fishes have a range of ecologies, differing in habitat and foraging style, which make them ideal for examining the selective forces acting on the opsin gene f...

Anesthesia reduces the handling process duration and prevent fish injuries. The anesthetic effect ideal concentrations of eugenol tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) were tested for pearl cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis) juveniles with an average weight 4.4 g in water at 24ºC. criterion determining optimal dose considered induction time one minute. Experiment 1 25, 75, 150 300 mg L-1 eugenol. be...

This research was motivated by the phenomenon of change religious behaviour among community’s corruption convict who became residents Sukamiskin prisons. change, especially relate to aspects or dimensions beliefs, ideological, worship, ritual, and understanding. These changes in are assumed have taken place due several factors, including environmental factors new associations, as well strong aw...

With between 2000 and 2500 known species, cichlids (Teleostei, Cichlidae) are probably the most species rich family of vertebrate animals. With over 1500 species, more than half of the world's cichlid species live in the African Great Lakes, where several endemic species ̄ocks evolved in parallel. Speciation rates in some of these ̄ocks are unrivaled among vertebrates and they are among the most ...

Background: The presence of pesticide due to the huge demand for agricultural purposes is very prevalent in surface waters of Iran. These pesticides could finally accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and have been proved to have toxic effects on aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of Diazinon, Deltamethrin, Butachlor and Pretilachlor on Zebra Cichlid (Cryptoheros...