Meeting Abstract
The evolution of sex-role reversal or transitions in sex-specific brood care are subjects of interest to evolutionary biologists as the genomic and environmental mechanisms responsible have been demonstrated in a limited sex of taxa. I present the opportunity to investigate these questions in a subfamily of gourami fishes (Luciocephalinae) where, within one genus, female ornamentation has evolved and a switch in sex-specific brood care has occurred. The ancestral state of the taxon is that of monomorphism and male mouthbrooding. The species Sphaerichtys vaillanti has evolved a striking female banding pattern, a possible indicator of sex-role reversal, while S. osphromenoides has had a curious case of a transition to female mouthbrooding. I currently have begun genomic reconstruction on these fishes and outgroups to elucidate global patterns that might coincide with the evolution of these features. I have additionally begun husbandry and initial experiments to better describe behavior, gene expression, and hormonal regulation to fully link genetic underpinnings to phenotypic outcomes. Success in these endeavors could lead to Sphaerichthys serving as a model for the transitions of sex-roles in evolutionary biology.
