Peer Review

Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi, africa

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This site is a compendium of information on the cichlid fishes of Lake
Malawi, Africa. The site provides a rich assemblage of high quality images,
behavioral descriptions, structural and behavioral adaptations, and taxonomy of
the "largest lake-fish fauna and the largest vertebrate flock on earth". The
site includes checklists of the haplochromid, mbuno, and tilapia cichlids in the
lake, including icons to identify color patterns; non-cichlid and non-endemic
species are also included. The groups are listed alphabetically by species name
and color pattern. The site goes beyond the biology of the cichlids and also
covers maps and NASA photos of the lake area as well as a bibliography on Malawi
cichlid systematics (most with abstracts). There is search function and
extensive links to all aspects of cichlid information.
Type of Material:: Collection/database
Identify Major Learning Goals:: None stated
Target Student Population:: High school-upper division undergraduate.

Rating:

Strengths:

Quality of Content: (4.0) (4.5) = 4.25

Features of Excellence

Outstanding, detailed, quality images of cichlid species many with
photographs of live fish.
Comprehensive and current listings sorted by group, alphabetically and
by color pattern.
Extensive lists of links to all aspect of cichlid biology and taxonomy
as well as area studies.

Concerns:

Several parts of site (i.e. trophic adaptations table) are not complete.
More images demonstrating the features such as the jaws and teeth could
help build understanding of the adaptive radiation of cichlids in the lake.
An organization of pages that would take advantage of the latest
hypotheses of phylogeny would help visitors better understand the evolution of
some the interesting traits described in the site. The site has the potential
to help them better understand the difference between shared similarity and
convergence using the cichlid system.

Rating:

Strengths:

Potential Effectiveness: (4.5) (4) = 4.25

Features of Excellence

Search function very complete.
Trophic Adaptations table provides a useful entry point for educational
use of site.
Links to sites for hobbyists and keepers of aquariums provide practical
information; can be used for classroom observation and experiments.
Excellent references could make it easy for students to find and explore
the primary literature (especially for more advanced students).

Concerns:

Not organized for educational use; requires creation of assignments that
will guide non-scientists/students to concepts that can be illustrated by data
contained in site.
The FAQs could serve as an interesting source of materials for
assignments.

Rating:

Strengths:

Ease of Use: (4.0) (4.5) = 4.25

Features of Excellence

Checklists well organized and easy to use.
Picture buttons at top of index page provide easy access to all parts of
site.
The search/index page is provides excellent access to both taxonomy and
subject matter.

Concerns:

Index page outlines parts of sites without amplifying information to
tell first time user what is contained in each part of site.
Increasing standardization of the accounts would make it easier to
compare different species.