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I am interested in biological diversity, mostly at the level of closely related species, populations and individuals. Research in my lab includes studies on the diversity, drivers and evolutionary consequences of behavior involved in mating, brood care and social competition; on the causes and consequences of color pattern diversity; and on population genetic and phylogeographic patterns in relation to diversification processes. To answer our research questions, we use genetic and chemical analyses as well as field studies and experiments, often in combination. The long-term study system of my lab are African cichlid fish, particularly from Lake Tanganyika. In fact, cichlids offer endless opportunities to study behavioral and morphological diversity in an evolutionary context. Nonetheless, I am currently establishing another study system located literally at my doorstep, and these are amphipods of the eastern Alpine regions. With their rich, often cryptic phylogenetic diversity, their dependence on sensitive freshwater habitats and their elaborate mate choice and brood care behavior, our new lab pets will hopefully contribute significantly to our research on molecular and behavioral ecology.