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  • Rare hybrid between Centropyge flavissima and C. ebli

    Rare hybrid between Centropyge flavissima and C. ebli

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Causes and consequences of hybridisation in angelfish

Hybridisation is defined as the interbreeding between two genetically distinct populations or species that produces viable offspring. Coral reef fishes form the most diverse vertebrate communities on earth and recent studies have revealed that hybridisation is common in this group. The angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae) have the greatest proportion (~30%) of hybridising species, with 26 species implicated in hybridisation. Angelfish show a wide range of ecological traits, such as body size, colour, reproductive system, and diet, and many studies have examined these different aspects at the species level. However, very little is known about hybridisation in angelfish, especially in terms of fitness of the hybrids and possible ecological consequences. Hybrids between three species of angelfish (C. flavissima, C. eibli and C. vroliki) have been reported from Christmas Island. These three species have been observed in heterospecific harems, and their resultant hybrids provide the unique opportunity to examine the processes and implications of hybridization in marine fishes. The broad aim of this study is to determine causes and consequences of hybridisation in angelfish at Christmas Island.

Ocean warming is currently expanding the geographic range of tropical species into sub-tropical and temperate regions, which can remove the barriers between isolated but closely-related species. This can, not only lead to direct competition for food and habitat between these closely-related species, but also lead to hybridisation where the hybrids could compete for food, habitat and possibly dominant positions in harems. Through positive or negative interactions, this could lead to an increase or decrease in diversity. This study will, therefore, provide valuable insights into the potential implications of ocean warming by gaining information on the conditions that promote hybridisation in fish, and the implications of that hybridisation has on parent species and diversity.

Funding agency

Edith Cowan University

Project duration

January 2015 – August 2018

Researchers

Mr Federico Vitelli, PhD candidate
Associate Professor Glenn Hyndes
Curtin University, Dr Jean Paul Hobbs
Curtin University, Professor Euan Harvey

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