Data from: Functional trait plasticity diverges between sexes in African cichlids: a contribution toward ecological sexual dimorphism?

Phenotypic plasticity enables development to produce multiple phenotypes
in response to environmental conditions. Plasticity driven variation has
been suggested to play a key role in adaptive divergence, and plasticity
itself can evolve. However, the interaction of plasticity with the
multiple levels involved with adaptive divergence is less understood. For
example, sexual dimorphism can contribute to adaptive variation through
ecological sexual dimorphism (ESD), but the contribution of plasticity to
this phenomenon is unknown. Therefore, to determine the potential
contribution of plasticity to ESD, we used the adaptive radiation of
Malawi cichlids. Two mouthbrooding species (Labeotropheus fuelleborni and
Tropheops “Red Cheek”, hereafter LF and TRC respectively) with differences
in foraging tactics underwent foraging experiments using benthic and
limnetic treatments while accounting for sex. Plasticity in craniofacial
shape and three functionally important traits were measured. Plasticity
was shown, but without any sex-based differences in shape. However, for
mechanical advantage traits of the mandible sex by diet interactions were
found. This suggests that ESD, may be influenced by phenotypic plasticity
that diverges between sexes. Given the involvement of the mandible in
parental care in cichlids this may indicate that sexual divergence in
plasticity may trade-off against maternal care tactics.