Meet the Faculty
Martin Connaughton
Associate Professor of Biology
Chair, Department of Biology
E-mail: mconnaughton2@washcoll.edu
Phone: (800) 422-1782, ext. 7727
Office: Toll Science SG19
Education
- B.S., Lafayette College, 1988
- Ph.D., University of Delaware, 1994
Office Hours
M, 2:30-4:30, by drop-in or appointment
Maine Program
University of Delaware CMS Program
Research program summary
My research interests focus on the anatomy and physiology of the sonic muscles of sciaenid fishes, characterization of the sounds produced by these muscles, and the behaviors in which sound production plays a role.
Recent students in my lab have begun to examine the communication value of croaker sounds through playback of croaker calls and analysis of the behavioral responses of the fish to these calls. We have also recently begun to examine the aggressive and courtship behaviors and pheromones that elicit these behaviors in the Nile tilapia.
Sample Research Figures
Comparing the courtship and fright calls of the Atlantic croaker.
Catching fish is an important part of any of our studies.
A study of the innervation of the sonic muscles of three species of Sciaenidae, weakfish, croaker and spot (left).
Examining the anatomy of sound production and reception in channel catfish (drawings by student T. Vance, '00).