Data from: Morphological change and phenotypic plasticity in native and non–native pumpkinseed sunfish in response to sustained water velocities

Phenotypic plasticity can contribute to the proliferation and invasion
success of nonindigenous species by promoting phenotypic changes that
increase fitness, facilitate range expansion and improve survival. In this
study, differences in phenotypic plasticity were investigated using
young-of-year pumpkinseed sunfish from colonies established with lentic
and lotic populations originating in Canada (native) and Spain
(non-native). Individuals were subjected to static and flowing water
treatments for 80 days. Inter- and intra-population differences were
tested using ancova and discriminant function analysis, and differences in
phenotypic plasticity were tested through a manova of discriminant
function scores. Differences between Iberian and North American
populations were observed in dorsal fin length, pectoral fin position and
caudal peduncle length. Phenotypic plasticity had less influence on
morphology than genetic factors, regardless of population origin. Contrary
to predictions, Iberian pumpkinseed exhibited lower levels of phenotypic
plasticity than native populations, suggesting that canalization may have
occurred in the non-native populations during the processes of
introduction and range expansion.