Problems of species definition in Lake Malawi cichlid fishes (Pisces: Cichlidae)
- Lewis, Digby S C, J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Authors: Lewis, Digby S C , J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Date: 1982-09
- Subjects: Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69918 , vital:29595 , Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)) Periodicals Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB))
- Description: Online version of original print edition of the Special Publication of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 23 , The evolution of the cichlid species flock in Lake Malawi has taken place very rapidly and resulted in the proliferation of a large number of species many of which are similar to one another. This has given rise to a situation in which traditional methods of distinguishing species based on preserved specimens are often of limited value. There are many instances of different species having almost identical morphologies, of single populations of one species showing considerable morphological variation and of marked geographical intraspecific variation. Polymorphism is considered not to be as widespread as previously thought, and pronounced random intraspecific colour variation within a population is discounted. Sympatric sibling species may be distinguished by observing behavioural and habitat differences in the field, but no means has been devised for ascertaining whether morphologically and behaviourally similar allopatric forms are specifically distinct. Lack of access to fresh specimens and lack of information on distribution and habitat have resulted in numerous errors appearing in taxonomic works on Lake Malawi cichlids. Great care is needed when attempting scientific descriptions of cichlid species from the African Great Lakes, and it is suggested that such work be left to specialists with knowledge of living and fresh fish in these lakes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982-09
- Authors: Lewis, Digby S C , J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Date: 1982-09
- Subjects: Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69918 , vital:29595 , Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)) Periodicals Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB))
- Description: Online version of original print edition of the Special Publication of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 23 , The evolution of the cichlid species flock in Lake Malawi has taken place very rapidly and resulted in the proliferation of a large number of species many of which are similar to one another. This has given rise to a situation in which traditional methods of distinguishing species based on preserved specimens are often of limited value. There are many instances of different species having almost identical morphologies, of single populations of one species showing considerable morphological variation and of marked geographical intraspecific variation. Polymorphism is considered not to be as widespread as previously thought, and pronounced random intraspecific colour variation within a population is discounted. Sympatric sibling species may be distinguished by observing behavioural and habitat differences in the field, but no means has been devised for ascertaining whether morphologically and behaviourally similar allopatric forms are specifically distinct. Lack of access to fresh specimens and lack of information on distribution and habitat have resulted in numerous errors appearing in taxonomic works on Lake Malawi cichlids. Great care is needed when attempting scientific descriptions of cichlid species from the African Great Lakes, and it is suggested that such work be left to specialists with knowledge of living and fresh fish in these lakes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982-09
Common and scientific names of the fishes of Southern Africa
- Smith, Margaret Mary, Jackson, P B N (Peter Brian Neville), Rhodes University. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Authors: Smith, Margaret Mary , Jackson, P B N (Peter Brian Neville) , Rhodes University. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Date: 1975-04
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Nomenclature , Fishes -- South Africa -- Nomenclature (Popular) , Fishes
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69731 , vital:29573 , Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)) Periodicals Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB))
- Description: Online version of original print edition of the Special Publication of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 14 , This is in essence a checklist of the marine fishes occurring in the estuarine and coastal waters of southern Africa from the Kunene River in the west to Beira in the east. Deep sea fishes occurring below 200 metres or 100 fathoms are not included. The freshwater fishes from the Zambezi southwards will be published in Part 2. The scientific names, their spelling, authors and dates, have been carefully checked and brought into line with the most recent revisions available. However, the tremendous outpouring of scientific papers will make some scientific names obsolete even while this checklist is being printed. Also there will continue to be additions to the fauna and this, the first list to be published, must be regarded as a foundation on which subsequent lists can be based.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975-04
- Authors: Smith, Margaret Mary , Jackson, P B N (Peter Brian Neville) , Rhodes University. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
- Date: 1975-04
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Nomenclature , Fishes -- South Africa -- Nomenclature (Popular) , Fishes
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69731 , vital:29573 , Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)) Periodicals Margaret Smith Library (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB))
- Description: Online version of original print edition of the Special Publication of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 14 , This is in essence a checklist of the marine fishes occurring in the estuarine and coastal waters of southern Africa from the Kunene River in the west to Beira in the east. Deep sea fishes occurring below 200 metres or 100 fathoms are not included. The freshwater fishes from the Zambezi southwards will be published in Part 2. The scientific names, their spelling, authors and dates, have been carefully checked and brought into line with the most recent revisions available. However, the tremendous outpouring of scientific papers will make some scientific names obsolete even while this checklist is being printed. Also there will continue to be additions to the fauna and this, the first list to be published, must be regarded as a foundation on which subsequent lists can be based.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975-04
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