My research is on the systematics and evolution of fishes. This work is done using DNA sequence and morphological data to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and to understand the patterns and interactions of processes of evolutionary change. Most of my current projects are on marine fish systematics in the Western Indian Ocean where I have participated in various fish collection expeditions for DNA and voucher collections. Some of the specific projects that I’m currently involved in are systematics of Gobiid fishes, sub-Antarctic fishes and a general biogeographical project on fishes of the Western Indian Ocean. I’m also interested in marine protected areas and their effects on fish stocks and connectivity among regions.

My research area broadly includes comparative cytogenetics (including molecular cytogenetics) and phylogeography of small mammals. My ultimate aim is to test the utility of characters defined by chromosomal landmarks to address evolutionary relationships among Rodents. Most critical in this endeavor is to unequivocally identify regions of homeology among taxa with the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique using a panel of commercially available chromosomes and species-specific flow sorted chromosomes as probes. The cytogenetic data is supplemented with mitochondrial nucleotide sequence data and skull morphometrics data (through an ongoing collaboration with Dr Peter Taylor at the Durban Museum of Natural History). This multidisciplinary approach is specifically aimed at clearly demarcating potential taxonomic boundaries in rodent species complexes (cryptic species). Furthermore, in collaborating with Prof Jeremy Searle ( University of York , UK ) we are investigating the colonization history of the British Isles by small mammals using the pygmy shrew, Sorex minutus , as a model.

Molluscs are routinely infested by shell-boring polychaete worms belonging mainly to the families Sabellidae and Spionidae.  In the natural environment these worms contribute to the recycling of calcium carbonate, but under culture conditions they can become problematic.  In South Africa, cultured abalone and oysters are infested mainly by 3 indigenous and one non-indigenous species.  Thus my research focuses on the reproductive cycles, life history strategies and factors that influence reproductive output of the these worms in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment and control methods on farms; and the taxonomy of shell-infesting worms of wild molluscs in order to gain a greater understanding of their biodiversity and distribution in South Africa and to identify any species that might prove problematic in the future.  Other research interests includes the effects of algal metabolites on abalone and polychaete larvae and the genetic structure of infesting worms (particularly the non-indigenous species) to understand the spread of the worms both internationally and locally.