Currently, my research focuses on several projects that explore different theoretical issues. My primary research area consists largely of laboratory studies on the monogamous convict cichlid fish (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) and field studies on several species of pupfish (Cyprinodon) and beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus).
Students in my lab are involved in a variety of projects using the convict cichlid and these include fight tactics, mate choice, pair formation, and the functions of courtship. I continue to emphasize the parental division of roles. I am particularly interested in the causation of sex-typical parental roles (e.g., females remain with the offspring while males defend the territory), especially when both parents are both able to perform the same roles. I am also examining the initiation and the resolution of role disagreements.
I have begun a long term project on the mating strategies of Texas pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans and C. bovinus). Thus far we have uncovered three male mating tactics and we are in the process of linking the appearance of these tactics to their costs and benefits. We are also examining female pupfish behavior. Females of these species seem to mate randomly and promiscuously, although we have evidence that females of some species do possess an inherent mate preference. We are now attempting to describe this promiscuity, determine the possible benefits derived from it, and relate it to the multiple male tactics.
My research program on the coral reef beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus) has focused on the effects of breeding site quality on both courtship and defense decisions. I have recently restarted my research at the Discovery Bay Marine laboratory where I am examining how males deal with mistakes in predicting their future reproductive success.
Along with Amber Rice, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University, and Paul Samollow from Texas A&M University, Matthew Draud (department of biology at Long Island University, NY), I have been looking at the population genetics and behavioral ecology of the common damselfish in Barbados and Jamaica.