African cichlid lake radiations recapitulate riverine axial morphologies through repeated exploration of morphospace

We present a dataset of vertebral counts, body shape measurements, and lateral radiographs for 4861 individuals representing 583 species of African cichlids. This comprehensive dataset captures the full range of axial phenotypic diversity across the group. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we show that elongate, body plans supported by high vertebral counts, evolved in lacustrine cichlids as adaptations to pelagic, demersal, and piscivorous niches. In contrast, riverine species exhibit broader axial diversity, driven by higher rates of vertebral evolution. Axial morphospace occupancy correlates with the age of lake radiations, but divergence time alone does not explain the observed patterns. Our results suggest that axial diversity radiated outward from an ancestrally riverine morphology and underscore the utility of African cichlids as a model for studying vertebral evolution in teleosts. Please see the README.pdf file for full descriptions of each data file deposited here. Do not hesitate to contact me at [e-mail]/[e-mail] for further information.本研究发布一套涵盖583种非洲慈鲷的4861个个体的数据集，包含椎骨计数、躯体形态测量数据以及侧位X线影像（lateral radiographs）。该全面数据集覆盖了该类群全部的轴向表型多样性。本研究采用系统发育比较方法（phylogenetic comparative methods）开展分析，结果显示：以高椎骨数支撑的修长躯体构型，在湖泊慈鲷中演化形成，以适应远洋、底栖及食鱼生态位。与之形成对比的是，河流生境类群展现出更为宽泛的轴向多样性，这一特征由更高的椎骨演化速率所驱动。轴向形态空间占据情况与湖泊辐射演化的时长呈显著相关，但仅靠分化时间无法解释观测到的演化格局。研究结果表明，轴向多样性从祖先的河流生境形态向外辐射演化，同时证实了非洲慈鲷作为硬骨鱼（teleosts）椎骨演化研究模型的实用性。如需了解本数据集所收录各数据文件的完整说明，请查阅README.pdf文件。若需获取更多信息，可通过邮箱[e-mail]或[e-mail]与作者联系。