Migratory behaviour shapes spatial genetic structure of cyprinid fishes within the Lake Malawi catchment

What is it about?

Genetic differences among freshwater fish populations are dependent on life-history characteristics of the species, including the range of adult dispersal and the extent of homing to natal breeding grounds. We have found that contrasting migration life histories have resulted in dramatically different patterns of population genetic structure among the congeneric species of the genus Opsaridium.

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Why is it important?

The observed patterns demonstrate how divergent life-history evolution may strongly influence broader patterns of population genetic connectivity in freshwater fish, with consequences for management and conservation. Specifically the results suggesting gene flow among Lake Malawi populations of mpasa, an IUCN red-listed 'Endangered' species endemic to the lake catchment, imply that conservation initiatives operating at both local and catchment scales are needed to reverse local population decline.

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