Invasive Guppies
The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a famous 'model' species in Biology. Native to Trinidad & Tobago and parts of northern South America, it has been introduced worldwide by humans and has successfully established in more than 70 countries.
By studying a well-known species that is also an invader, we can learn about invasion ecology and how behaviour can mediate invasion success.
By using a combination of in situ set ups, mesocosm experiments and laboratory observations, in Trinidad and elsewhere, I am interested in exploring what makes the guppy such a successful invasive species, as well as what we can learn about the ecology of invasions in small water habitats.
By studying a well-known species that is also an invader, we can learn about invasion ecology and how behaviour can mediate invasion success.
By using a combination of in situ set ups, mesocosm experiments and laboratory observations, in Trinidad and elsewhere, I am interested in exploring what makes the guppy such a successful invasive species, as well as what we can learn about the ecology of invasions in small water habitats.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Why can't guppies establish in Florida?A collaboration with The University of Florida's Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory has already helped to answer this question. The answer is: Biotic Resistance from Mosquitofish! This work was published in the journal Ecology in 2021; we are currently working on a follow up study to understand more about the effects of biotic resistance in small water habitats.
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Guppies & Rivulus: Biotic resistanceBy studying biotic resistance between guppies and the species they have coevolved with in their native range, we can learn more about why guppies are successful invaders - and what might facilitate/limit their establishment success. The first paper from this project was published in Freshwater Biology in 2023.
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