Our Research: Using a combination of behavioral neuroanatomical, molecular and ecological techniques, we investigate how habitat structure and mating system shape brain structure and function in a model evolutionary system: the highly visual cichlids of Lake Tanganyika. Cichlid fishes are renowned for undergoing the most explosive vertebrate species radiation known, for diverse habitat preferences, and for diverse social behaviors (cooperative breeding, territoriality, lek formation, harems, monogamy and bower building). This system enables us to make fine ecological, behavioral, and neuronal comparisons, providing an unparalleled opportunity to understand how environmental and social pressures shape brain structure and function. 

Our Research Fish : Gallery and information