Ontogenetic shape trajectory of Trichomycterus areolatus varies in response to water velocity environment

Body and head shape among fishes both vary between environments influenced by water velocity and across ontogeny. Although the shape changes associated with variation in average water velocity and ontogeny are well documented, few studies have tested for the interaction between these two variables (i.e., does ontogenetic shape variation differ between velocity environments). We use geometric morphometrics to characterize shape differences in Trichomycterus areolatus, a freshwater catfish found in high and low-velocity environments in Chile. We identify a significant interaction between velocity environment and body size (i.e., ontogeny). Ontogenetic patterns of shape change are consistent with other studies, but velocity environment differentially affects the ontogenetic trajectory of shape development in T. areolatus. Shape change over ontogeny appears more constrained in high-velocity environments compared to low-velocity environments.

Automated summary

The body and head shape of fishes vary with different environments influenced by water velocity and across ontogeny. A study on a freshwater catfish found significant interaction between velocity environment and body size (ontogeny), with shape change over ontogeny appearing more constrained in high-velocity environments compared to low-velocity environments.