Preying on cyprinid snout warts (pearl organs) as a novel and peculiar habit in the Lake Malawi cichlid Docimodus evelynae.

Cichlid fishes in the African Great Lakes have undergone explosive speciation, acquiring markedly varying ecologies and diets. There are multiple lineages of scale-eating cichlids, and their natural history and evolutionary ecology is only partially understood. We examined the feeding habit of Docimodus evelynae, a known scale eater, in Lake Malawi.

Taxonomic investigation of the zooplanktivorous Lake Malawi cichlids (Iles) and (Iles).

Unlabelled: The taxonomic status of the zooplanktivorous cichlids and has been confused since their original descriptions by lles in 1960. Whilst two forms of , 'Kaduna' and 'Kajose', were distinguished in the type material, has not been positively identified since its original description. Here we re-examined the types as well as 54 recently collected specimens from multiple sampling locations.

Natural variation at a single gene generates sexual antagonism across fitness components in Drosophila.

Mutations with conflicting fitness effects in males and females accumulate in sexual populations, reducing their adaptive capacity. Although quantitative genetic studies indicate that sexually antagonistic polymorphisms are common, their molecular basis and population genetic properties remain poorly understood. Here, we show in fruit flies how natural variation at a single gene generates sexual antagonism through phenotypic effects on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) traits that function as both mate signals and protectors against abiotic stress across a latitudinal gradient.

Evolutionary Genomics at the Human-Environment Interface in Africa.

We report on the first meeting of SMBE in Africa. SMBE Malawi was initiated to bring together African and international researchers who use genetics or genomics to study natural systems impacted by human activities. The goals of this conference were 1) to reach a world-class standard of science with a large number of contributions from Africa, 2) to initiate exchange between African and international researchers, and 3) to identify challenges and opportunities for evolutionary genomics research in Africa.

Specialized movement and laterality of fin-biting behaviour in in Lake Malawi.

Several vertebrates, including fish, exhibit behavioural laterality and associated morphological asymmetry. Laterality may increase individual fitness as well as foraging strength, accuracy and speed. However, little is known about which behaviours are affected by laterality or what fish species exhibit obvious laterality.

, a new endemic cichlid from Lake Malawi (Teleostei, Cichlidae).

A new species of , , is described from Lake Malawi. So far, it has only been found at Jafua Bay, Mozambique. It can easily be distinguished from by its molariform pharyngeal dentition.

Physical and Linkage Maps for Drosophila serrata, a Model Species for Studies of Clinal Adaptation and Sexual Selection.

Drosophila serrata is a member of the montium group, which contains more than 98 species and until recently was considered a subgroup within the melanogaster group. This Drosophila species is an emerging model system for evolutionary quantitative genetics and has been used in studies of species borders, clinal variation and sexual selection. Despite the importance of D.