Data from: Body shape diversification along the benthic-pelagic axis in marine fishes

Colonization of novel habitats can result in marked phenotypic responses
to the new environment that include changes in body shape and
opportunities for further morphological diversification. Fishes have
repeatedly transitioned along the benthic-pelagic axis, with varying
degrees of association with the substrate. Previous work focusing on
individual lineages shows that these transitions are accompanied by highly
predictable changes in body form. Here, we generalize expectations drawn
from this literature to study the effects of habitat on body shape
diversification across 3,344 marine teleost fishes. We compare rates and
patterns of evolution in eight linear measurements of body shape among
fishes that live in pelagic, demersal, and benthic habitats. While average
body shape differs between habitats, these differences are subtle compared
to the high diversity of shapes found within each habitat. Benthic living
increases the rate of body shape evolution and has led to numerous
lineages evolving extreme body shapes, including both exceptionally wide
bodies and highly elongate, eel-like forms. In contrast, we find that
benthic living is associated with the slowest diversification of
structures associated with feeding. Though we find that habitat can serve
as an impetus for predictable trait changes, we also highlight the
diversity of responses in marine teleosts to opportunities presented by
major habitats.