Phenotypic variation of Cephalopholis argus in Hawaiʻi

Project PI: Jastine Honea

Project Advisor: Dr. Tim Grabowski

Since the release of Cephalopholis argus into Hawaiian waters in 1956, the species has become the top predator in near shore reef ecosystems. I am examining the species for phenotypic differences among populations from different parts of the Big Island. I will use geometric morphometrics, which is the analysis of shape using Cartesian geometric coordinates rather than linear, areal, or volumetric variables. By placing coordinates points on photos of C. argus, analysis of fishes' shapes can then be compared to those of other fish in my sample. With these comparisons, I hope to determine if there are variations in the species in different habitats. Phenotypic variation in the fish among habitats could play a role in the species being preyed upon by C. argus.

Completed project