Color assortative mating contributes to sympatric divergence of neotropical cichlid fish.

摘要: It is still debated vigorously whether sexual selection can result in speciation without physical barriers to gene flow. In this study, we used field data and molecular methods investigate the gold–normal color polymorphism two endemic cichlid fish species of crater lake Xiloa, Nicaragua. We found significant assortative mating by both Amphilophus xiloaensis A. sagittae. Focusing on xiloaensis, microsatellite allele frequencies, an assignment test, model-based cluster analysis demonstrates clear genetic differentiation (FST= 0.03) between gold normal individuals sympatry. addition, find all three sympatric ecologically distinct Midas Lake amarillo, sagittae, 0.03 – 0.19), isolation these from their closest relative (A. citrinellus) neighboring great Managua. The morph genetically more lake's other than xiloaensis-normal. Thus, have identified based that evident population genetics mate choice. Our results suggest through may play important role incipient cichlids