Diversification of cichlids in the genus Danakilia in the Danakil Depression of Eritrea and Ethiopia
Cichlids in the genus Danakilia, endemic to the hyper-arid Danakil Depression of Eritrea and Ethiopia, represent a rare example of diversification in one of Earth's most extreme aquatic environments. While previous mitochondrial and morphological studies have identified two species (D. franchettii and D. dinicolai), the evolutionary history of this clade remains poorly resolved. Here, we use genome-wide SNP data from 86 individuals sampled across six sites to infer phylogenetic relationships, assess population structure, and explore the role of historical hydrology in shaping diversification within Danakilia. We analyzed double-digest RAD-seq data to generate maximum likelihood phylogenies, PCA, and admixture profiles, and calculated pairwise FST values to assess genetic differentiation.