A5040062686- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Fish biology, ecology, and behavior
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Marine and fisheries research
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology
- Aquatic life and conservation
- Cephalopods and Marine Biology
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Environmental and Biological Research in Conflict Zones
KU Leuven
2018-2024
Royal Museum for Central Africa
2018-2024
Hasselt University
2024
University of Antwerp
2021-2022
Province of Antwerp
2021
University of the Potomac
2019
Siamese fighting (betta) fish are among the most popular and morphologically diverse pet fish, but genetic bases of their domestication phenotypic diversification largely unknown. We assembled de novo genome a wild Betta splendens whole-genome sequenced 98 individuals across five closely related species. find evidence bidirectional hybridization between domesticated ornamental betta other discover dmrt1 as main sex determination gene in that it has lower penetrance B. . Furthermore, we genes...
African cichlids comprise more than 1800 species of freshwater fishes, with remarkable adaptive radiations in Lakes Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria that have given rise to extraordinary morphological diversity. However, the evolution cichlid axial skeleton has been largely overlooked, despite its high variation functional significance for locomotion. Here, we present first macroevolutionary study morphology cichlids, based on phylogenetic comparative analyses 4861 individuals from 583...
Based on literature, museum collections and three recent expeditions, an annotated species list of the Lake Edward, East Africa, drainage system is presented, excluding endemic haplochromines. A total 34 non-Haplochromis belonging to 10 families 21 genera are recorded from system. Three these two others have been introduced in region. Six new records for Edward accumulation curve indicates that we probably covered most area sampled during but undetected might still be present Congolese part...
Abstract Host-parasite interactions increase the complexity, and thus robustness resilience, of an ecosystem. This role is particularly relevant in times global change. Environmental changes cause biodiversity loss shifts community compositions free-living organisms, but how these affect parasite communities still unclear. We tested parasites respond to anthropogenic perturbations, using case Lake Victoria (East Africa), after 40 years their onset. experienced multiple human-induced...
Lake Edward, East Africa, harbours a largely understudied assemblage of haplochromine cichlids that displays range adaptions to various specialised trophic niches. In this system, we discovered specimens Haplochromis with morphologies similar those oral-mollusc shellers from Victoria. These are characterised by short oral jaws stout teeth used either crush molluscs or grab the soft bodies snails and wrench them out their shells. A morphometric study on 47 Edward revealed presence three new...
Piscivory is a common trophic niche among cichlids of the East African Great Lakes, including Lakes Edward and George. From these two lakes, we examined taxonomic diversity cichlid species with piscivorous morphology. Prior to this study, were formally described, Haplochromis squamipinnis H. mentatus. We redescribe both describe an additional ten new morphology: latifrons sp. nov., rex simba glaucus aquila kimondo falcatus curvidens pardus quasimodo nov. All twelve differ in dominant male...
Abstract Haplochromis pharyngalis and petronius , two endemic cichlids from the Lake Edward system (Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo), are very similar in general morphology but have been reported to differ pharyngeal jaw distribution. This study analysed 51 morphometrics various qualitative characteristics 48 specimens different localities. The morphological traits both species strongly overlap, differences correspond a geographic morphocline. We conclude that all belong one valid...
Abstract Siamese fighting fish, commonly known as betta, are among the world’s most popular and morphologically diverse pet but genetic processes leading to their domestication phenotypic diversification largely unknown. We assembled de novo genome of a wild Betta splendens whole-genome sequenced multiple individuals across five species within B. complex, including populations domesticated ornamental betta. Given our estimate mutation rate from pedigrees, analyses suggest that betta were at...
This research reinforces the poorly documented Cretaceous record of aspidorhynchid fish Belonostomus found in North American Gulf Coastal Plain.This unique has gone mostly unnoticed fossil collections due to heightened diversity and popularity other teleosts.Six new specimens are from various sites Texas, Mississippi, Alabama.Most these localities have not produced material until now help bridge gap records between Lower Upper stratigraphic continent.The inclusion also helps further our...
Abstract Poor and unreliable knowledge of the status freshwater fisheries limits their inclusion in governance processes, thereby impeding effective management measures. This threatens livelihoods people, particularly developing countries. Improved is required to draw attention policymakers stimulate measures accelerate sustainability fisheries. In line with this requirement, paper provides state aquatic ecosystem Lake Edward system, East Africa, focusing on lakes Edward, George Kazinga...
Abstract The Nile perch ( Lates niloticus ) is a notorious invasive species. introductions of into several lakes and rivers in the Lake Victoria region led to impoverishment trophic food webs, particularly well documented Victoria. Along with perch, its parasites were co-introduced. Dolicirroplectanum lacustre (Monogenea, Diplectanidae) gill parasite latid fishes spp.) inhabiting major African freshwater systems. We examined intra-specific diversification D. from L. Albert (native range)...