Carlos David Canabarro Machado de Santana

My research program focuses on taxonomy, comparative morphology, and phylogenetic systematics of the poorly known Neotropical electric fishes (Gymnotiformes). It encompasses basic studies of taxonomy as well as broad general questions of homology and evolutionary biology. My taxonomic work on the Neotropical electric fishes has demonstrated that this clade is among the least-known groups of vertebrates.These studies provide a foundation for more general questions on evolutionary patterns and processes and biogeography in the Neotropics. Knowing species-level diversity is critical for resolving problems related to the homology and nomenclature of various poorly-known osteological systems in the Gymnotiformes. I have worked as visitor or resident researcher at fish collections in 16 natural history museums in South America and the USA, and I have been awarded seven grants and fellowships from institutions in Brazil and the USA.

Possui mestrado em Biologia Animal pela Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, doutorado em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva pelo Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, pré e pós-doutorado pelo National Museum of Natural History-Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.), e pós-doutorado pela University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL). É pesquisador associado do National Museum of Natural History. Tem experiência na área de Zoologia, com ênfase em ictiologia, na sistemática e filogenia de Gymnotiformes.