• Ph.D. (Biology), 1988, Boston University
• B.S. (Biological Sciences, with a concentration in Ecology, Systematics and Evolution) 1979, Cornell University

My lab investigates the development and evolution of cranial sensory systems in fishes. In particular, we are interested in the development and evolution of the lateral line system, and we have focused on a variety of teleost fish taxa (e.g, butterflyfishes, zebrafish, flounders, cichlids, greenlings). Each of these taxa has interesting and unique attributes, which has allowed us to ask fundamental questions about lateral line evolution and patterns and mechanisms of development in the lateral system. We have recently completed a description of the comparative anatomy, development and systematic significance of the laterophysic connection, a unique swim bladder-lateral line linkage in butterflyfishes in the genus Chaetodon. We have hypothesized that this novel linkage allows the lateral line system (in addition to the ear) to be sensitive to sound pressure stimuli. We have described the morphology of the ear and have tested the auditory capabilities in Chaetodon. In collaboration with Dr.Tim Tricas (University of Hawaii) we are continuing to study its functional morphology and behavioral significance as it relates to sound production by butterflyfishes (funded by NSF). Future projects include analyses of the comparative development of the lateral line system, lateral line meristics as it relates to the development and evolution of the lateral line system, and patterns and process of dermal bone development in the lateral line system. For additional information, consult my webpage: http://www.uri.edu/cels/bio/webb/index.html

• Webb, J.F. 1989a. Gross morphology and evolution of the mechanoreceptive lateral line system in teleost fishes. Brain, Behavior and Evolution. 33:34-53


• Webb, J.F 1998. Laterophysic Connection: A unique link between the swim bladder and the lateral-line system in Chaetodon (Perciformes: Chaetodontidae). Copeia 1998(4):1032-1036.


• Webb, J.F. 1999. Diversity of Fish Larvar in Development and Evolution, pp.109-158. In: (Hall, BK,. Wake, MH, eds.) Origin and Evolution of Larval Forms. San Diego, Academic Press.


• Tarby, M.L. and Webb, J.F. 2003a. Development of the supraorbital and mandibular lareral line canals in the cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. J. Morphology 254:44-57.


• Smith W.L., Webb, J.F., and Blum, S.D. 2003b. The evolution of the laterophysic connection with a revised phylogeny and taxonomy of butterflyfishes (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae) Cladistics. 19:287-306


• Streelman, J.T., Webb, J.F., Albertson, R.C.* and Kocher, T.D. 2003. The cusp of evolution and development: A model of cichlid tooth shape diversity. Evolution and Development. 5(6): 600-608.


• Webb, J.F. and Shirey, J.E.2003c Post-embryonic development of the lateral line canals and neuromasts int he zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics ( Zebrafish As Model System - Special Issue). 228:370-385.


• Webb, J.F., Smith, W.L., Ketten, D.R. The laterophysic connection and swim bladder in butterflyfishes in the genus Chaetodon (Perciformes: Chaetodontidae). Journal of Morphology In press


• Webb, J.F. and Schilling, T.F. 2006. Zebrafish in Comparative Context: A Symposium. Integrative and Comparative Biology. 46(5): 569–576.


• Schilling, TF and Webb JF. 2007. Considering the zebrafish in comparative context. Journal of Experimental Zoology B – Molecular Development and Evolution. 308B: 1-8.


• Webb, J.F., Fay, R.R. and Popper, A.N. (editors). 2008. Fish Bioacoustics. NY: Springer-Verlag. In press.