Genomics of mimicry in Neotropical catfishes

Genomics of mimicry in Neotropical catfishes

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Martin Taylor, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

Professor Tracey Chapman, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

Professor David Richardson, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

 

Scientific Background

Mimicry—where species share similar colour patterns to signal unpalatability—is one of the most striking examples of natural selection in action. While famous cases exist in Heliconius butterflies and poison arrow frogs, South American catfishes (Corydoras and related genera) offer a lesser-known yet equally fascinating system. In rivers and streams across the continent, multiple differently coloured catfish communities coexist, forming diverse mimicry “rings.”

This project will use whole-genome resequencing to tackle three key questions:

  1. Which regions of the genome show divergent selection across mimicry rings with different colour patterns?
  2. Are there signatures of selective sweeps in species within individual mimicry rings that share colour patterns?
  3. Do the evolutionary rates of pigmentation associated genes differ between mimetic and non-mimetic species?

Ultimately, this research will shed light on a fundamental question in evolutionary biology: Do independent mimicry rings rely on the same genes to produce colour patterns, or are there different solutions each time mimicry evolves?

 

Research Methodology

You will work with existing high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequences and perform additional genome resequencing of species from different mimicry rings. The project combines molecular biology with cutting-edge bioinformatics, including detection of positive selection and selective sweeps, to uncover the genetic basis of colour pattern mimicry. Most samples are available in the host laboratory, with potential opportunities for fieldwork in South America.

 

Training & Skills Development

This PhD will provide comprehensive training in:

  • Molecular techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation.
  • Bioinformatics: Comparative genome analysis, detection of selection, and functional genomics, phylogenetics.
  • Computational skills: UNIX/Linux, HPC computing, and programming in R and Python.

You will gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and computational approaches, equipping you with a strong skill set for a career in evolutionary genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics.

 

Person Specification

This project is ideal for a curious and motivated individual to explore the genetics behind one of nature’s most intriguing phenomena.

We are looking for candidates with:

  • A degree in biological sciences, genetics, or related.
  • A strong interest in evolutionary biology.
  • An aptitude for bioinformatics; experience with R or another scripting language is advantageous.

 

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biological Sciences, Genetics, Zoology

Project code: TAYLORM_UEA_ARIES26

References

  • Alexandrou, M., Oliveira, C, Maillard, M, McGill, R.A.R., Newton, J., Creer, S. and M. I. Taylor. (2011) Competition and phylogeny determine community structure in Müllerian co-mimics. Nature 469:84–88, 2011. DOI:10.1038/nature09660
  • Marburger S, Alexandrou M, Taggart JB, Creer S, Carvalho G, Oliveira C, Aylor, M.I. et al. Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes. Proceedings of the Royal Soc: B Biol Sci. 2018 Feb 14;285(1872). 20172732.
  • Bell, E. A., Butler, C. L., Oliveira, C., Marburger, S., Yant, L., & Taylor, M. I. (2022). Transposable element annotation in non-model species: The benefits of species-specific repeat libraries using semi-automated EDTA and DeepTE de novo pipelines. Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 823– 833. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13489
  • Bell, E. A., Butler, C. L., Oliveira, C., Marburger, S., Yant, L., & Taylor, M. I. (2022). Transposable element annotation in non-model species: The benefits of species-specific repeat libraries using semi-automated EDTA and DeepTE de novo pipelines. Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 823– 833. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13489
  • Dias AC, Tencatt LFC, Roxo FF, Silva GC, Santos SA, Britto MR, Taylor MI, Oliveira C. (2024). Phylogenomic analyses in the complex Neotropical subfamily Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with a new classification based on morphological and molecular data, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlae053.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the  University of East Anglia Application Portal