Limia Studies
Fishes of the genus Limia are endemic to the West Indies. There are over 20 described species, with many more likely to be split once taxonomic work is finished. The majority of the species are endemic to the island of Hispaniola, where they occur in streams, lakes, and small clear springs called baleanarios. Many of these species are restricted to a single location and are threatened by contaminants, habitat loss, and introduced fishes. In addition the baleanarios are used extensively by the native population as swimming and bathing areas.
We have established populations of many of the Limia species from the Caribbean in a laboratory at the University of Colorado. We are examining aspects of the breeding biology and behavior of these species, particulary in regard to mate choice and sexual selection.
Many undergraduates have undertaken research on the fish in the laboratory through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) program, and for Honor's theses.
Appelbaum, S. L. and A. Cruz. 2000. The role of mate-choice copying and disruption effects in mate preference of Limia perugiae (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae). Ethology 106: 933-944.