Evolution of Fast-Growing Coral Reef Fishes

This study investigates the evolution of growth patterns in coral reef fishes, a highly diverse vertebrate group. By analyzing their evolutionary history and employing advanced statistical methods, the researchers identified shifts in growth patterns, including timing, magnitude, and location.

They found that fast growth trajectories have been more common than slow growth trajectories among reef fish lineages. The analysis revealed that many reef fish species evolved towards faster growth and smaller body size during the Eocene epoch (56-33.9 million years ago).

Particularly, small-bodied cryptobenthic fishes showed a significant shift towards extremely high growth rates, even when accounting for body size differences.

These findings suggest that the warm global temperatures and habitat changes during the Eocene played a crucial role in shaping the productive and diverse fish communities found in modern coral reef ecosystems