In what could be a first in the world, a fish species in the cichlid family has been observed by scientists in the act of splitting into two distinct species in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and one of the world’s biggest fresh water bodies.
This may be remarkable because what is causing them to diverge are adaptations to their vision as animals and plants try to cope with increased pollution and the effects of climate change. The change is also happening without geographical isolation, which was thought to be a precursor for evolution.
The Pundamilia nyererei is a haplochromine type cichlid native to areas in the Mwanza Gulf region of Lake Victoria. This region consists of many islands where each island region has its own color variant of the fish.
In a report published in the journal Nature, researchers from Tokyo’s Institute of Technology and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology have observed the cichlid evolve into a new species better adapted in sighting its prey and predator.
But the scientists have also tabled evidence indicating that it is not pollution and over-fishing alone that are responsible for the disappearance of some fish species in Lake Victoria and the evolving of others like the cichlid into new species.
The report summarizes that new species may be born because of vision differences and what fish see at least in one African lake could be the driving force that causes them to evolve into new species.
This may explain the very rapid loss of pundamilia in Lake Victoria over the past 30 years. The study says the eye adaptations have also affected mating patterns.
Researchers looked at two species, conspicuous by their red or blue colours. They determined through lab experiments that certain genetic mutations helped some fish adapt their vision at deeper levels to see the colour red and others in shallower water to recognise shades of blue.
The researchers showed that the eyes have adapted to this difference so that fish that live in deeper water have a pigment in their eyes that is more sensitive to red light, while shallow-water fish were sensitive to blue.
Generally, the evolutionary process of speciation (the formation of new species) occurs when one species is split by a physical distance or barrier, allowing each group to develop different traits. The observations of Lake Victoria’s cichlids provide evidence of an unusual form of evolution known as sympatric speciation, which occurs without the physical separation of a population group.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Scientists Discover Fish in Act of Evolution in Africa’s Greatest Lake
Monday, June 30, 2008
[CRAZY PICS] 10 Strangest Things Caught While Fishing
Is that a Two Headed Fish or a One Headed Fish with two bodies?
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This fish is HUGE!
Straight outta Captain Nemo, this fish isi 2.4 metres long and 340 kilograms.
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Saturday, May 31, 2008
No bait needed: Fish may respond to sounds and just give up
"It sounds crazy, but it's real," said Simon Miner, a research assistant at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Wood's Hole, which received a $270,000 grant for the project from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Caught: 100-Year-Old Monster Fish Weighing Over 35-Stone
Nick Calleya, 36, from Cubert in Cornwall and George Carstairs from Scotland landed the 500lb white Sturgeon while angling from a boat in the Fraser River in British Columbia in Canada.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
Ancient Fish Thought to be Extinct is Alive! Caught by Fisherman [UGLY PIC]
Fish had disappeared from fossil records 80 million years ago.
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[CRAZY PICS] 10 Strangest Things Caught While Fishing
Is that a Two Headed Fish or a One Headed Fish with two bodies?
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5,000-Pound Devil Fish Is Caught
5000 pound Manta devil fish killed with high powered rifle by coast guardafter fish became entangled in anchor of fishing boat.
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Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Fish that Hunts on Land - w/ Video
Zoologists have found a remarkable fish that can wriggle from Africa's tropical swamps to snaffle a snack on land. Ahhh, evolution; isn't it remarkable?
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New Mystery "Sea Creature" like Fish Found. Possible new Species?
(2 PHOTOS) A strange looking sea creature washed up on the shores of Cayman Brac this weekend...Local fishermen say they have not seen a creature quite like this before. It has boney bristles all along its spine, right down to the tip of its tail and small sharp teeth, which curve slightly inward.
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sega Bass Fishing Hooks Wii Release
Sega has officially announced that an updated version of Sega Bass Fishing is on its way to the Wii early next year.
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Are Premium Priced Fishing Lures Worth The Price?
Things to consider when investing in fishing lures. Advice from a top authority and manufacturer of great fishing tackle.
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Great angling sites - carp fishing in Spain
If you are mad about fishing and tired of the busy, loud city-life, you probably dream of a carp fishing holiday. What better way to relax than by sitting back and dosing off on the banks of a quiet river surrounded by wildlife? Waiting for the largest carp you have ever seen to jump at your bait is exactly what you need to forget about work. The r
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Why You Need Insurance On Your Fishing Boat!
Most anglers don’t realize just how important having Boat Insurance is, in fact you would be surprised at just how many boat owners are unaware that such coverage exists. Its a fact that the majority of fishing boat owners
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Virtual Deep Sea Fishing PC Games
In this day and age of the video game and PC games, virtual deep sea fishing has become one of the latest crazes. A personal computer game entitled “Virtual Deep Sea Fishing” allows players to feel as though they really are out at sea struggling with a live fish to reel it in. What are the real facts about the game, and why is it so popular?
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Web 2.0 Florida Fishing Site
Here's a site about Florida fishing, which is normally serviced by sites that make use of really old web technology, such as message boards and long link lists. Except this one is using elements from Wiki's, blogs, RSS feeds and other web 2.0 concepts to introduce concepts the tech savvy are familiar with to a whole different generation.
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Fishing is Hardcore -- and We've Got the Videos to Prove it
You think fishing is all about lounging lazily in a row boat, waiting for a fish to bite? Well, think again. I collected 5 of the most awesome fishing videos. Bet you won’t be able to convince yourself that fishing is boring after watching these clips.
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Beginners Guide to Fishing the Fall Salmon Run in Michigan
How to fish for Salmon in Michigan during their fall run up the rivers.
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Types of Fishing Reels
Ever wonder how different types of fishing reels work? This story covers the basic types of fishing reels and the method of using them.
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Fishing case turns into a chair : Fishing Bench Case
A fishin case quicky turns into a chair. Bait, almost every kind of fishing tackle inckuding rod and rod stand can be contained in the case.
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Kayak Fishing
This is my Kayak Fishing site. I will be adding links and all kinds of stuff having to do with Yak fishing. I hope you like it.
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"Geek Fishing" via Remote Control GPS Boat & Color Radar Display
Coden Japan developed a fishing boat of a very different kind. It is a remote-controlled boat, with GPS, radar and all. You hook your fishing line on Kamome and then direct it to the spot where the fish are swimming (using the color radar display). Find the hotspot, release the hook and start reeling them in
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HOLY CARP!
This has to be some sort of record or something. It's pretty much an enormous fish...
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Fishing+Equipment+videos
Great fishing videos about fishing equipment, tackle, rods, gear and boats
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Try Salmon Fishing From Your Own Home
This Newfoundland home is designed so that you can fish for Salmon without leaving your home, a one off house for the armchair fisherman
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Clint with a nice brown trout from the South Platte
Clint with a nice brown trout from the South Platte, one of the many Colorado Mountain Fishing members have caught.
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Fishing Tips and Facts
Fishing Tips and Techniques. Download free ebooks on Fishing tips, Fishing Facts
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Fishing
A good all around fishing website. Top fishing trips, fish information and much more.
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How Real Men Catch Catfish
Two men catch catfish by sticking their hand elbow deep into the mouth of the fish.
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Super Fishing ! WOW !!!
It was excellent Fishing! LooK !!! See at this fish !
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