Bonnett, Kelsie; Golden, Kaitlyn; Johnson, Jerry (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University, Biology)
Understanding life-history strategies allows us to know how a changing environment affects species and communities. Livebearing Poeciliid fish are commonly used as models to gain a better understanding of these strategies, but some species like Alfaro cultratus have been neglected in this process. A. cultratus is a freshwater fish with a unique keel-shaped anal fin commonly found along the eastern coast of Central America. To understand the life-history strategies of this species and use it as a future model, I am performing an experiment to: 1) determine if there is sexual selection in Alfaro cultratus considering both body size and anal fin length; 2) determine whether A. cultratus displays sexual selection; and 3) understand how predation influences both dimorphism and selection. To do this I will be performing a two-part experiment in which I will first analyze previously collected samples for morphological differences, and second perform a live experiment to test Alfaro female preference. By doing so I will be able to not only advance our understanding of A. cultratus, but of life-history theory and conservation strategies.