Unimodal head-width distribution of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) from the Zeeschelde does not support disruptive selection.

ABSTRACT: Since the early 20th century, European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) have been dichotomously classified into 'narrow' and 'broad' heads. These morphs are mainly considered the result of a differential food choice, with narrow heads feeding primarily on small/soft prey and broad heads on large/hard prey. Yet, such a classification implies that head-width variation follows a bimodal distribution, leading to the assumption of disruptive selection. We investigated the head morphology of 272 eels, caught over three consecutive years (2015-2017) at a single location in the Zeeschelde (Belgium). Based on our results, BIC favored a unimodal distribution, while AIC provided equal support for a unimodal and a bimodal distribution. Notably, visualization of the distributions revealed a strong ov

SUBMITTER: Verhelst P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6225841 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature