Metamorphosis of coral reef fishes
Typically when you think of metamorphosis you immediately think of the amazing changes frogs and butterflies undergo. Fishes too metamorphose. Reef fishes undergo changes in morphology and colour when larvae successfully find a reef after their pelagic period. Considered a critical ecological milestone, newly recruited reef fish larvae must metamorphose and establish themselves on the reef quickly, as this period is characterized by high predation pressure. But are there changes beyond colour that reef fish undergo? Recent evidence suggests that upon metamorphosis, reef fish decreases their swimming abilities to be better suited for a benthic lifestyle. I was interested in investigating the changes in energy demands and possible changes in musculature surrounding the metamorphosis event in reef fishes, that permit the successful transition from ocean to reef.
The current project is being prepared for peer review, so please watch this space for updates 🙂
Skillset:
-Swimming respirometry
-light trapping larvae
-mitochondrial volume density measurements
Notable papers
Currently being prepared. Please watch this space!
Dr. Adam T. Downie, PhD 