Abstract
Tropical coral reefs are the most diverse and complex marine habitats on earth. No other environment is host to so many fish species, with such a diversity of strikingly beautiful colours and patterns. At the same time, biological knowledge about most coral reef fishes is scant. This is unfortunate, especially in light of the fact that 60% of the World's coral reefs are at risk from human activity. We currently do not understand (a) why there are so many species, often similar in body form but differing in coloration, nor (b) why coral reef fishes are typically so colourful. Traditionally, the view has been that reef fish colours are selected mainly for species recognition. However, the evidence to support this hypothesis is limited, and it does not explain species diversity. By contrast, the hypothesis that colours are sexually selected, extensively supported in other animal groups, has largely been neglected for coral reef fishes. Unlike species recognition and other hypotheses proposed, sexual selection can potentially explain not only why many species are colourful, but also why there are so many species. This is because strong sexual selection can lead to rapid sympatric speciation through character divergence and reproductive isolation. Our project will test these ideas, by integrating field studies, laboratory experiments, and comparative analyses. The project integrates Norwegian expertise in behavioural ecology of marine fishes, Australian expertise in reef fish ecology and physiology, and British expertise in comparative analyses and biodiversity. Field and lab work will be conducted at Lizard Island Research Station, Australia, using the black-and-gold chromis Neoglyphidodon nigroris as a model species. Comparative work will be based on data collected by team-members and on published data, covering several reef fish taxa, and will have its base at Imperial College, UK. The project will recruit a post-doc to Norwegian evolutionary and behavioural ecology.
Norway