My current research for my M.S. degree at Appalachian State University involves subtropical food web ecology. I am interested in resource use, predator-prey relationships, the roles of invertebrates as linkages between basal resources and fishes and the coevolution of form and function.
The first part of my research deals with the morphological and trophic divergence of theCrenicichla missioneira sp. complex (Cichlidae) endemic to the Rio Uruguay drainage. I am addressing morphological divergence using morphometrics of the jaws, lower pharyngeal and upper pharyngobranchial bones and trophic divergence using stomach content and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses.
Crenicichla tendybaguassu Lucena & Kullander 1992
Crenicichla celidochilus Casciotta 1987
Additionally, my research deals with how invertebrates function as trophic links between basal resources (i.e. detritus, algae, macrophytes) and higher trophic level consumers. More specifically, I am interested in identifying invertebrate taxa that may be key in supporting fish biomass, integrate terrestrial-aquatic food webs, and influence downstream carbon transport.
Two key elements of my research are interests in diversity and function. I am interested in the possible roles of disruptive selection in initiating and maintaining divergence. I am investigating this possibility on a broad scale using highly successful groups (Characidae, Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, and Loricariidae).
Notropis rubellus (Cyprinidae)
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