Species delimitation by DNA barcoding reveals undescribed diversity in Stelliferinae (Sciaenidae).

Stelliferinae is the third most speciose subfamily of Sciaenidae, with 51 recognized species arranged in five genera. Phylogenies derived from both morphological and molecular data support the monophyly of this subfamily, although there is no general consensus on the intergeneric relationships or the species diversity of this group. We used the barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase C subunit I (COI) gene to verify the delimitation of Stelliferinae species based on the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescence (GMYC), and Bayesian Poisson Tree Process (bPTP) methods. In general, the results of these different approaches were congruent, delimiting 30-32 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), most of which coincided with valid species. Specimens of Stellifer menezesi and Stellifer gomezi were attributed to a single species, which disagrees with the most recent review of this genus. The evidence also indicated that Odontoscion xanthops and Corvula macrops belong to a single MOTU. In contrast, evidence also indicates presence of distinct lineages in both Odontoscion dentex and Bairdiella chrysoura. Such results are compatible with the existence of cryptic species, which is supported by the genetic divergence and haplotype genealogy. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate the existence of undescribed diversity in the Stelliferinae, which reinforces the need for an ample taxonomic review of the fish in this subfamily.

Genome-wide species delimitation analyses of a silverside fish species complex in central Mexico indicate taxonomic over-splitting.

BACKGROUND: Delimiting species across a speciation continuum is a complex task, as the process of species origin is not generally instantaneous. The use of genome-wide data provides unprecedented resolution to address convoluted species delimitation cases, often unraveling cryptic diversity. However, because genome-wide approaches based on the multispecies coalescent model are known to confound population structure with species boundaries, often resulting in taxonomic over-splitting, it has become increasingly evident that species delimitation research must consider multiple lines of evidence. In this study, we used phylogenomic, population genomic, and coalescent-based species delimitation approaches, and examined those in light of morphological and ecological information, to investigate species numbers and boundaries comprising the Chirostoma "humboltianum group" (family Atherinidae). The humboltianum group is a taxonomically controversial species complex where previous morphological and mitochondrial studies produced conflicting species delimitation outcomes. We generated ddRADseq data for 77 individuals representing the nine nominal species in the group, spanning their distribution range in the central Mexican plateau. RESULTS: Our results conflict with the morphospecies and ecological delimitation hypotheses, identifying four independently evolving lineages organized in three geographically cohesive clades: (i) chapalae and sphyraena groups in Lake Chapala, (ii) estor group in Lakes Pátzcuaro and Zirahuén, and (iii) humboltianum sensu stricto group in Lake Zacapu and Lerma river system. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study provides an atypical example where genome-wide analyses delineate fewer species than previously recognized on the basis of morphology. It also highlights the influence of the geological history of the Chapala-Lerma hydrological system in driving allopatric speciation in the humboltianum group.

Investigations into the ancestry of the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos) reveal novel limits and relationships for the Acropomatiformes (Teleostei: Percomorpha)

For 175 years, an unremarkable bass, the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), has been known from coastal waters in the Eastern Pacific. To date, its phylogenetic placement and classification have been ignored. A preliminary osteological examination of Hemilutjanus hinted that it may have affinities with the Acropomatiformes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using UCE and Sanger sequence data to study the placement of Hemilutjanus and the limits and relationships of the Acropomatiformes. We show that Hemilutjanus is a malakichthyid, and our results corroborate earlier studies that have resolved a polyphyletic Polyprionidae; accordingly, we describe Stereolepididae, new family, for Stereolepis. With these revisions, the Acropomatiformes is now composed of the: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, new family; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; and Schuettea. Finally, using our new hypothesis, we demonstrate that acropomatiforms repeatedly evolved bioluminescence and transitioned between shallow waters and the deep sea.

Durante más de 175 años el Serranido ojo de uva (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), un pez parecido a la lubina común, se conoce de las zonas costeras del Pacífico Oriental. Al día de hoy la posición filogenética de esta especie se desconoce. Un estudio preliminar de Hemilutjanus basado en caracteres osteológicos sugirió que esta especie puede tener afinidades con el orden Acropomatiformes. Para investigar la posición filogenética de Hemilutjanus y los límites y relaciones dentro del orden Acropomatiformes realizamos análisis filogenéticos utilizando datos de secuencias Sanger y de UCEs. Demostramos que Hemilutjanus es un malakichthyid y nuestros resultados recobran Polyprionidae como una familia polifilética corroboran así estudios anteriores. En consecuencia, diagnosticamos y describimos una nueva familia de peces, Stereolepididae, que incluye ambas especies del genero Stereolepis. Con esta revisión, ahora el orden Acropomatiformes se compone de las familias: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, nueva familia; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; y Schuettea. Finalmente, utilizando nuestra hipótesis filogenética, demostramos que bioluminiscencia ha evolucionado varias veces dentro de los miembros de Acropomatiformes y tambien demostramos múltiples transiciones entre aguas someras y zonas profundas del océano dentro de este grupo.

Population-level morphological variation of Anisotremus interruptus (Gill, 1862) (Perciformes: Haemulidae) in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, with the description of two new species.

The family Haemulidae is a wide-ranging group of marine fishes that are of significant commercial value in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP). Phylogenetic studies on the species Anisotremus interruptus have revealed high levels of genetic diversity as well as divergence among populations in the TEP, which suggests that the taxonomic diversity of A. interruptus could be underestimated. Anisotremus interruptus has a large distribution, ranging from central Baja California, Mexico to northern Peru, including all oceanic islands except Clipperton. Recent genetic studies on this taxon indicate the presence of a species complex of at least three distinctive lineages. We performed a comparative study of the population-level meristic and morphometric variation of A. interruptus in the TEP to evaluate and identify possible morphological features concordant with the genetic differentiation of populations. Our results provide evidence of the presence of two new species of the genus Anisotremus, A. perezponcedeleoni sp. n. from the Revillagigedo Archipelago and A. espinozai sp.n. from Galapagos Archipelago-Cocos Island.

Ictiofauna de la zona intermareal rocosa del Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica: diversidad y aspectos ecológicos y biogeográficos / Ichthyofauna of the rocky intertidal zone of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, North Pacific of Costa Rica; diversity and ecological and biogeographic aspects

Introducción: El intermareal rocoso constituye un paisaje marino costero dominante en el Pacífico Tropical Oriental, albergando comunidades biológicas altamente diversas y funcionalmente complejas. El conocimiento sobre la diversidad y los diversos procesos biológicos que ocurren en tales ambientes es, no obstante, bastante limitado a escala regional. Objetivo: Cuantificar, describir y comparar (a escala regional) la diversidad ictiológica asociada al intermareal rocoso del Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, así como evaluar y discutir algunos patrones biogeográficos y ecológicos. Métodos: Entre 2014 y 2019 se muestrearon un total de 49 pozas de marea en siete ubicaciones dentro del ACG. Se obtuvieron datos sobre diversidad absoluta (presencia/ausencia de especies), además de algunos datos ecológicos (estatus de residencia, estadio(s) de desarrollo, gremio trófico, hábitos de agrupación y crípticos y distribución generalizada) los cuales se compararon con datos publicados de otros estudios/inventarios llevados a cabo en diversas localidades (20) a lo largo de la costa del Pacífico Oriental. Por medio de un análisis de similitud se evaluaron posibles patrones de agrupamiento entre localidades (según su composición de especies) y, bajo una perspectiva biogeográfica, hipótesis previas de regionalización. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 67 especies de peces óseos asociadas al intermareal rocoso del ACG, siendo la localidad con datos publicados, más diversa a nivel del Pacífico Oriental. En el ACG los componentes/categorías transitorio con 30 especies (44.8 %), juveniles con 38 especies (55.9 %), carnívoros con 47 especies (70.1 %), solitarios con 32 especies (47.8 %) y endémico del PTO con 66 especies (98 %), fueron dominantes. A nivel regional se recopilaron datos para un total de 246 especies. Los resultados del análisis de similitud soportaron el esquema de división biogeográfico, definido a priori, a nivel regional, con las localidades ubicadas dentro de las provincias Californiana, Cortez, Mexicana, Panámica y Peruana-Chilena recuperadas como grupos altamente consistentes. Esta estructura es consecuente con el efecto de barreras como las brechas arenosas de Sinaloa y Centroamericana, entre otras, limitando el flujo de especies entre unidades biogeográficas. Conclusiones: El ACG presenta una elevada diversidad ictiológica asociada a su intermareal rocoso producto de una combinación de factores única a nivel regional. Los resultados de este estudio refuerzan además la necesidad de realizar más estudios básicos y aplicados a diferentes escalas local y regional con el objetivo de ayudar a comprender y conocer mejor diversos aspectos clave de la dinámica y procesos físico-químico-biológicos ocurriendo en las zonas intermareales, de su riqueza biológica asociada, de su importancia dentro del paisaje marino-costero como un continuo y de las posibles afectaciones que estos podrían sufrir debido al impacto de las actividades humanas.

Introduction: The rocky intertidal constitutes a dominant coastal seascape in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, harboring highly diverse and functionally complex biological communities. The knowledge about the diversity and the diverse biological processes that occur in such environments is, however, quite limited on a regional scale. Objective: Quantify, describe and compare (on a regional scale) the ichthyological diversity associated with the rocky intertidal zone of the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), Costa Rica, as well as to evaluate and discuss some biogeographic and ecological patterns. Methods: A total of 49 tide pools were sampled between 2014 and 2019, at seven locations within the ACG. Data on absolute diversity (presence/absence of species) were obtained, in addition to some ecological data (residence status, development stage (s), trophic guild, aggregation and cryptic habits and generalized geographic distribution), these data were compared with published records from other surveys/inventories carried out at various locations (20) along the Eastern Pacific coast. Through a similarity analysis, both possible clustering patterns between localities (according to their species composition) and previous hypotheses of regionalization, under a biogeographic perspective, were evaluated. Results: A total of 67 species of bony fish were recorded in the rocky intertidal area of the ACG, being this the most diverse locality (with published data) in the Eastern Pacific. The components/categories "transitory" with 30 species (44.8 %), "juveniles" with 38 species (55.9 %), "carnivores" with 47 species (70.1 %), "solitary" with 32 species (47.8 %) and "endemic to the ETP" with 66 species (98 %), were dominant (in terms of the total number of species) within the ACG. The results of the similarity analysis supported the biogeographic division scheme, defined a priori; with the localities within the Californian, Cortez, Mexican, Panamic and Peruvian-Chilean provinces recovered as highly consistent groups. This structure is consistent with the effect of barriers such as the sandy gaps of Sinaloa and Central America, among others, limiting the flow of species between biogeographic units. Conclusions: The ACG has a high ichthyological diversity associated with its rocky intertidal zone, which is product of a unique combination of factors at the regional level. The results of this study reinforce the need to carry out more basic and applied studies with the aim of helping to better understand and know different key aspects of the dynamics and physical-chemical-biological processes occurring in intertidal zones, of its associated biological diversity, of its importance within the marine-coastal landscape as a continuum and of the possible effects that these environments could suffer due to the impact of human activities.

Genetic differentiation among populations of the blackfin goodea Goodea atripinnis (Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae): implications for its evolutionary history.

Central Mexico is characterized by a complex topography that is the result of historic and contemporary tectonic and climatic factors. These events have influenced the evolutionary history of numerous freshwater fishes in the region. Nonetheless, recent studies have shown that life-history traits and ecological characteristics of species may influence dispersal capabilities and the degree of genetic connectivity. Goodea (Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae) is one of the most widely distributed and environmentally tolerant genera of goodeids. In this study, the authors analysed variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to evaluate the phylogeographic relationships, genetic structure, genetic diversity and demographic history of Goodea from across its distribution range. They found low genetic differentiation and identified shared haplotypes among several regions. Geographic segregation was found in samples southwest and northeast of the Lower Lerma region, with some internal isolated groups showing phylogeographic differentiation and unique haplotypes. The AMOVA best explained genetic structure when grouped by haplogroups rather than when grouped by recognized biogeographic regions. Several regions showed null genetic diversity, raising the possibility of dispersal mediated by humans. Finally, Bayesian Skyline Plot analysis showed a population expansion for the Southwest haplogroup, except for the Armería population and sub-group II of the Northeast haplogroup. All this suggests a recent colonization of Goodea atripinnis throughout some of the biogeographic regions currently inhabited by this species.

Reproductive cycle of native viviparous fish species (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae) in a subtropical Mexican lake

Reproductive tactics and strategies contribute to the persistence and maintenance of long-term populations in fish species. Members of the subfamily Goodeinae are a group of small-bodied freshwater fish with specialized reproduction (viviparity-matrotrophy). They are found in the highlands of central Mexico, most of them endemic. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the annual reproductive cycle of seven species of goodeines (splitfins). We carried out our study in the subtropical Lake Zacapu, Mexico, with bi-monthly sampling from May 2019 to March 2020. We obtain the fertility, size at first maturity (L50), sex ratio, and gonadosomatic index. Our result shows that populations of goodeines have high fertility compared to other populations of the same species in other aquatic systems and also to other species of goodein. We found that males mature at smaller sizes than females, the observed proportion of females was greater than males in all the goodeines. Lake Zacapu goodeines have two reproductive peaks, one in spring (April to June) and another in fall (September to November). These tactics (fertility rates, sex ratio, reproductive period) and strategies (viviparity-matrotrophy) favor reproductive success in this environmentally stable subtropical lake in the highlands of Mexico.(AU)

Las tácticas y estrategias reproductivas contribuyen a la persistencia y el mantenimiento de las poblaciones a largo plazo en especies de peces. Miembros de la subfamilia Goodeinae son un grupo de peces de agua dulce con reproducción especializada (viviparidad-matrotrofia). Se encuentran en el centro de México, la mayoría de ellos endémicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una investigación integral para evaluar el ciclo reproductivo anual de siete especies de goodeines o mexclapiques. Realizamos nuestro estudio en el lago subtropical de Zacapu, México, con muestreo bimestral de mayo de 2019 a marzo de 2020. Nuestros resultados muestran que las poblaciones de goodeines tienen una alta fertilidad en comparación con otras poblaciones de la misma especie en otros sistemas acuáticos y también con otras especies de goodeines. Encontramos que los machos maduran en tamaños más pequeños que las hembras, la proporción observada de hembras fue mayor que los machos en todas las goodeines. Los goodeines del lago Zacapu tienen dos picos reproductivos, uno en primavera (abril a junio) y otro en otoño (septiembre a noviembre). Estas tácticas (fertilidad, proporción de sexos, período reproductivo) y estrategias (viviparidad-matrotrofia) favorecen el éxito reproductivo en este lago subtropical ambientalmente estable en el altiplano de México.(AU)

Reproductive cycle of native viviparous fish species (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae) in a subtropical Mexican lake

Reproductive tactics and strategies contribute to the persistence and maintenance of long-term populations in fish species. Members of the subfamily Goodeinae are a group of small-bodied freshwater fish with specialized reproduction (viviparity-matrotrophy). They are found in the highlands of central Mexico, most of them endemic. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the annual reproductive cycle of seven species of goodeines (splitfins). We carried out our study in the subtropical Lake Zacapu, Mexico, with bi-monthly sampling from May 2019 to March 2020. We obtain the fertility, size at first maturity (L50), sex ratio, and gonadosomatic index. Our result shows that populations of goodeines have high fertility compared to other populations of the same species in other aquatic systems and also to other species of goodein. We found that males mature at smaller sizes than females, the observed proportion of females was greater than males in all the goodeines. Lake Zacapu goodeines have two reproductive peaks, one in spring (April to June) and another in fall (September to November). These tactics (fertility rates, sex ratio, reproductive period) and strategies (viviparity-matrotrophy) favor reproductive success in this environmentally stable subtropical lake in the highlands of Mexico.(AU)

Las tácticas y estrategias reproductivas contribuyen a la persistencia y el mantenimiento de las poblaciones a largo plazo en especies de peces. Miembros de la subfamilia Goodeinae son un grupo de peces de agua dulce con reproducción especializada (viviparidad-matrotrofia). Se encuentran en el centro de México, la mayoría de ellos endémicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una investigación integral para evaluar el ciclo reproductivo anual de siete especies de goodeines o mexclapiques. Realizamos nuestro estudio en el lago subtropical de Zacapu, México, con muestreo bimestral de mayo de 2019 a marzo de 2020. Nuestros resultados muestran que las poblaciones de goodeines tienen una alta fertilidad en comparación con otras poblaciones de la misma especie en otros sistemas acuáticos y también con otras especies de goodeines. Encontramos que los machos maduran en tamaños más pequeños que las hembras, la proporción observada de hembras fue mayor que los machos en todas las goodeines. Los goodeines del lago Zacapu tienen dos picos reproductivos, uno en primavera (abril a junio) y otro en otoño (septiembre a noviembre). Estas tácticas (fertilidad, proporción de sexos, período reproductivo) y estrategias (viviparidad-matrotrofia) favorecen el éxito reproductivo en este lago subtropical ambientalmente estable en el altiplano de México.(AU)

Genetic diversification of acanthocephalans of the genus Floridosentis Ward 1953 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae), parasites of mullets from the Americas.

Adult worms of the genus Floridosentis are endoparasites of marine fishes of the genus Mugil and are broadly distributed in the Americas. Currently, Floridosentis includes two species, F. mugilis, distributed in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Ocean coast, and F. pacifica, restricted to the Pacific Ocean coast. The aim of this study was to explore the species limit of both species of the genus Floridosentis, collected in 37 localities in eight countries: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Venezuela. We sequenced 253 specimens to build a comprehensive dataset for three genes: the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox 1) from mitochondrial DNA, the internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2 including the 5.8S gene (ITS region), and the D2 + D3 domains of the large subunit (LSU) of nuclear DNA. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses with the cox 1 and concatenated (cox 1 + ITS+LSU) datasets were conducted. Two species delimitation methods were implemented, the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), and Bayesian species delimitation (BPP), plus a haplotype network inferred with 253 specimens, allowing us to validate two nominal species of Floridosentis., F. mugilis, plus one linage distributed in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Ocean coast, and F. pacifica, plus two additional lineages distributed along the Pacific Ocean coast. All these lineages are shared by both species of mullet (Mugil curema and M. cephalus). The currents in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, in combination with the biology of the definitive hosts, have played a key role in the distribution of the two nominal species and of the three lineages of Floridosentis across the Americas.

Independent evolutionary lineage of the clingfish Gobiesox adustus (Gobiesocidae) from Isla del Coco, Costa Rica / Linaje evolutivo independiente del clingfish Gobiesox adustus (Gobiesocidae) de Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Introduction: Isla del Coco is an important protected area for marine fauna in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. In this area, the species that inhabit the intertidal zone have been subject to few studies. One of the species inhabiting these areas is the clingfish Gobiesox adustus (Gobiesocidae). Objective: To analyze for the first time the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of G. adustus' population from Isla del Coco and compare it with those of continental coast of Costa Rica and Ecuador. Methods: We constructed a haplotype network for these samples. Genetic diversity, distance and structure were calculated by several software. The historical demography of Isla del Coco samples was assessed with the method Bayesian skyline plot as implemented in BEAST2. Results: The samples segregate into three haplogroups: one consisting of the Isla del Coco samples, a second consisting of a subset of the Ecuador samples, and a third consisting of Costa Rica and the remaining Ecuador samples. The genetic distances between the three haplogroups range between 1.6% and 2.1% (uncorrected p-distance), and pairwise ΦST and AMOVA results between the three haplogroups show high and significant values. Conclusions: The Isla del Coco haplogroup showed a Pleistocene population growth, which agrees with demographic patterns found in other marine organisms. The history of isolation of the G. adustus population from Isla del Coco demonstrates the evolutionary independence of this population.

Introducción: Isla del Coco es un área protegida importante para la fauna marina en el Pacifico Oriental Tropical. En esta área, las especies que habitan la zona intermareal han sido objeto de pocos estudios. Una de las especies que habitan en estas áreas es el clingfish Gobiesox adustus (Gobiesocidae). Objetivo: Analizar por primera vez el gen mitocondrial citocromo oxidasa sub unidad 1 (cox1) de poblaciones de Isla del Coco y compararlo con las de la zona continental de Costa Rica y Ecuador. Métodos: Se construyó una red de haplotipos. La diversidad, la distancia y la estructura genética fueron calculadas por diversos programas. La demografía histórica de las muestras de Isla del Coco fue evaluada con el método Bayesian skyline plot implementado en BEAST2. Resultados: Las muestras se agruparon en tres haplogrupos: en un haplogrupo se incluyó a los individuos de Isla del Coco, otro haplogrupo integró las muestras de Ecuador y un tercer grupo incluyó las muestras restantes de Costa Rica y Ecuador. Las distancias genéticas entre los tres haplogrupos oscilan entre 1.6% y 2.1% (p-distancia, no corregida), las distancias ΦST y los resultados de AMOVA entre los tres haplogrupos muestran valores altos y significativos. Conclusiones: El haplogrupo de Isla del Coco mostró un crecimiento poblacional datado en el Pleistoceno, coincidiendo con la demografía poblacional encontrada en otros organismos marinos. La historia de aislamiento de la población de G. adustus de Isla del Coco demostró la independencia evolutiva de esta población.

Genetic diversity and structure of circumtropical almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana: tool for conservation and management.

The almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana, is a circumtropical pelagic fish of importance both in commercial fisheries and in aquaculture. To understand levels of genetic diversity within and among populations in the wild, population genetic structure and the relative magnitude of migration were assessed using mtDNA sequence data and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from individuals sampled from locations in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. A total of 25 variable sites of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 3678 neutral SNPs were recovered. Three genetic groups were identified, with both marker types distributed in different oceanic regions: Pacific-1 in central Pacific, Pacific-2 in eastern Pacific and Atlantic in western Atlantic. Nonetheless, the analysis of SNP identified a fourth population in the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico (Pacific-3), whereas that of mtDNA did not. This mito-nuclear discordance is likely explained by a recently diverged Pacific-3 population. In addition, two mtDNA haplogroups were found within the western Atlantic, likely indicating that the species came into the Atlantic from the Indian Ocean with historical gene flow from the eastern Pacific. Relative gene flow among ocean basins was low with r m < 0.2, whereas in the eastern Pacific it was asymmetric and higher from south to north (r m > 0.79). The results reflect the importance of assessing genetic structure and gene flow of natural populations for the purposes of sustainable management.

Cryptic molecular diversity in the morphologically variable rotiferan Brachionus quadridentatus (Rotifera: Monogononta)

Brachionus quadridentatus es una especie morfológicamente variable, distribuida por todo el mundo. Su taxonomía es confusa debido a las numerosas variantes infrasubespecíficas descritas en este taxón. Con la taxonomía basada en la morfología, B. quadridentatus tiene tres variantes reconocidas: B. quadridentatus quadridentatus, B. quadridentatus f. brevispinus and B. quadridentatus f. cluniorbicularis. En este estudio, exploramos la diversidad genética entre algunas poblaciones de B. quadridentatus, usando secuencias de los genes COI ADNmt y 18S ARNr. El análisis de delimitación de especies coalescente usando el gen 18S apoya la presencia de al menos tres especies putativas dentro del complejo B. quadridentatus. Estos resultados estuvieron en concordancia con los análisis filogenético y GMYC usando el gen 18S. Sin embargo, se encontró variación en morfología y secuencias del gen COI dentro de cada una de las tres especies putativas. Se encontraron siete linajes delimitados por las secuencias del gen COI usando el método de delimitación ABGD, que además están morfologicamente diferenciadas. Se encontró discordancia mitonuclear entre la filogenia del gen COI y la del gen 18S. La incongruencia entre el marcador mitocondrial y el nuclear puede ser explicada por sorteo incompleto de linaje.

Brachionus quadridentatus is a morphologically variable species of rotifer distributed worldwide. The taxonomy of this species is confused, with numerous infrasubspecific variants described in the taxon: B. quadridentatus quadridentatus, B. quadridentatus f. brevispinus and B. quadridentatus f. cluniorbicularis. In this study, we explored genetic diversity among some populations of B. quadridentatus, using sequences of mitochondrial COI and nuclear 18S genes. The coalescent species delimitation analysis with the 18S gene highly supports the presence of at least three putative species within the B. quadridentatus complex. These results were in agreement with the phylogenetic and GMYC analysis using the 18S gene. However, we also found variation within each of these three putative species in morphology and COI gene sequences. There were seven morphologically differentiated lineages that were recovered as distinct based on COI gene sequences using the ABGD delimitation method. As such, mitonuclear discordance between COI and 18S phylogenies was found. The incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear markers could be explained by incomplete lineage sorting.

An update to the inventory of shore-fishes from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Veracruz, México.

Data on marine and brackish-water fishes recorded in the area of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano in the southwest Gulf of Mexico were extracted from online aggregators of georeferenced location records, the recent ichthyological literature reviewed, and collections and observations made to provide a more complete faunal inventory for that park. Those actions added 95 species to a comprehensive inventory published in 2013, and brought the total to 472 species, an increase of 22%. Seventy-four percent of the additions came from online aggregators of georeferenced species records, which clearly demonstrates the value of reviewing and incorporating such data into species inventories. However, different aggregators recorded different sets of species, and some of their data were linked to outdated taxonomy or included identification errors. Hence individual records from multiple aggregators need to be obtained and reviewed for such issues when using such data to compile and revise faunal inventories. Existing lists also need to be carefully reviewed to ensure that errors are not perpetuated during updates.

Distribution and current conservation status of the Mexican Goodeidae (Actinopterygii, Cyprinodontiformes).

The current distribution and abundance of the 40 species of Goodeidae fishes known from Mexico are described, and a total of 84 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) is designated within these species. Two species and four ESUs are likely extinct with no captive populations, and three species and eight ESUs are probably extinct in the wild but have at least one captive population in Mexico, the United States, or Europe. Of the 35 extant species, the analyses indicate that nine should be considered as critically endangered, 14 as endangered, nine as vulnerable, and only three as least concern. Twenty-seven of these species have experienced substantial declines in distribution or abundance or both since 2000, and only eight appear to have remained relatively stable. Of the 72 extant ESUs, our analyses indicate that 29 should be considered as critically endangered, 21 as endangered, 18 as vulnerable, and only four as least concern. Brief summaries of the historic and current distributions and abundance of each species are provided, as well as ESU. Three strategies are recommended to conserve Mexican goodeids: protect the best-quality remaining habitats where goodeids still persist, restore degraded habitat and re-introduce species or ESUs where practical, and establish captive populations to ensure continued survival of the many species and ESUs that will almost inevitably go extinct in the coming years. Limited resources require cooperation and collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and aquarium hobbyists for successful captive maintenance.

Reef-associated fishes from the offshore reefs of western Campeche Bank, Mexico, with a discussion of mangroves and seagrass beds as nursery habitats.

A series of small emergent coral reefs and shallow, submerged coralliferous banks are scattered along the western edge of Campeche Bank (southwest Gulf of Mexico), 150-200 km offshore from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Here a reasonably comprehensive, annotated checklist of reef-associated fishes for one reef, Cayo Arcas (expanded from 162 to 209 species) is presented, with preliminary checklists of such fishes from three other emergent reefs (Cayo Arenas, Triángulo Oeste, Triángulo Este) and four submerged bank reefs (Banco Obispo Norte, Banco Obispo Sur, Banco Nuevo and Banco Pera). During 2017-18 a total of 260 species was observed or collected from those reefs, and previous studies and georeferenced museum records in the global aggregator Fishnet2 added another 101 shallow-living species recorded on or adjacent to those reefs. Some coral-reef fishes are thought to be strongly dependent on seagrass and mangrove areas as nursery habitats for maintenance of their local populations on reefs near to those habitats. The abundance of a number of such "nursery" species on these Campeche reefs indicates otherwise, as there are no seagrass- or mangrove habitats for reef fishes within ~ 150 km of the study reefs. Other isolated Caribbean-area reefs that lack mangroves and, in some cases, seagrasses, also support many such nursery species of reef-fishes.

Assessing phylogenetic information to reveal uncertainty in historical data: An example using Goodeinae (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae).

A major emerging challenge to resolution of a stable phylogenetic Tree of Life has been incongruent inference among studies. Given the increasing ubiquity of incongruent studies, analyzing the predicted phylogenetic utility and quantitative evidence regarding contributions toward resolution of commonly-used markers in historical studies over the last decade represents an important, yet neglected, component of phylogenetics. Here we examine the phylogenetic utility of two sets of commonly-used legacy markers for understanding the evolutionary relationships among goodeines, a group of viviparous freshwater fishes endemic to central Mexico. Our analyses reveal that the validity of existing inferences is compromised by both lack of information and substantially biased patterns of nucleotide substitution. Our analyses demonstrate that many of the evolutionary relationships of goodeines remain uncertain - despite over a century of work. Our results provide an updated baseline of critically needed areas of investigation for the group and underscore the importance of quantifying phylogenetic information content as a fundamental step towards eroding false confidence in results based on weak and biased evidence.

Historical biogeography reveals new independent evolutionary lineages in the Pantosteus plebeius-nebuliferus species-group (Actinopterygii: Catostomidae).

BACKGROUND: The Pantosteus plebeius-nebuliferus species-group is a group of freshwater fishes distributed in endo- and exorheic drainage basins in the Mexican Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range system and central North Mexico. The geological history of this region is considered an important factor in explaining the evolutionary history of low vagility animals like freshwaters fishes. The aim of this study was to examine the phylogenetic relationships and describe the evolutionary history of the species-group. We hypothesized that the genetic structure and distribution of the main clades of Pantosteus plebeius-nebuliferus are associated with the geological history of Northern Mexico. To this end, we obtained DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes and performed phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses. Divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction were also carried out to propose a biogeographical hypothesis, and species boundaries within the species-group were also tested. RESULTS: We identified four clades within the Pantosteus plebeius-nebuliferus species-group in both markers. Divergence ranged from 5.9% to 9.2% for cytb and 0.1% to 0.9% for GHI. We observed significant genetic structure and no shared haplotypes between clades. We estimated that the clades diverged during the last 5.1 Myr, with a biogeographic scenario suggesting eight vicariant and four dispersal events through the historic range of the species-group. We found that the best species-delimitation model is when four species are assumed, which correspond to the main clades. We identified nine evolutionary significance units (ESUs), pertinent to the conservation of the group, each representing populations present in distinct drainage basins. CONCLUSIONS: The evolutionary history of the Pantosteus plebeius-nebuliferus species-group is characterized by vicariant post-dispersal processes, linked to geological changes in the Sierra Madre Occidental and central Northern Mexico since the Pliocene. This is congruent with biogeographic patterns described for other co-distributed fish species. We propose a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the species-group, clarifying the taxonomy of this evolutionarily complex group. Our results suggest that the species-group consists of at least four clades with independent evolutionary histories, two of which may represent new undescribed species. Our identification of ESUs provides a basis upon which conservation measures can be developed for the species-group.

Determination of optimal prey for rearing the Tropical Gar Atractosteus tropicus (Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae) / Determinación de presas óptimas para la crianza del pejelagarto Atractosteus tropicus (Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae)

Abstract Larval feeding studies of both ornamental and consumable fish species are important for formulating successful management, and culture strategies for conservation purposes. In the present study, we evaluated prey selectivity for the tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus in the larval stage (first 8 weeks) using the zooplankton Artemia fransiscana, Daphnia pulex and Moina macrocopa as prey following the hypothesis that prey selection of the fish species is related not only to prey species preferences but to the difference in prey densities present in the environment. Functional responses were tested at prey densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 ind. mL-1 and analyzed using Manly's α. For prey selectivity, we used the three zooplankton species at three different densities. In these two experiments the fish larvae were allowed to feed for 45 min. To quantify feeding behavior (encounters, attacks, captures, ingestions, rejections) we used a density of 1 ind. mL-1 using each prey species based on 10 minutes of direct observation. Our results showed a functional response Type II for A. tropicus preying mostly on A. franciscana and M. macrocopa. The Manly's α index showed that M. macrocopa and A. franciscana are the most preys selected. The values for encounters for the three prey species were relatively constant during the eight weeks. Encounter values for the cladocerans were low in comparison to A. franciscana; however, high success in capture and ingestion was observed for all prey species used. Our results from the functional response experiments supports the hypothesis that A. tropicus is an active predator presenting a functional response of a carnivorous fish and the shift in prey selection suggests that even at low prey availability, A. tropicus is able to manipulate and feed on zooplankton of wide range in size. Also, according to our results, we suggest the use of a mix of A. franciscana and M. macrocopa to feed A. tropicus in culture systems in concentrations ≈ 2 ind. mL-1 during the first 3 weeks of age and then shift to M. macrocopa from the 4 week. Our results, in conjunction with studies on the survivorship of the juveniles would aid in conservation efforts and improve the production of gars in aquaculture. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1018-1033. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumen Estudios sobre alimentación en etapa larvaria en peces ornamentales como de consumo son importantes para formular estrategias exitosas de manejo y cultivo con fines de conservación. En el presente estudio evaluamos la selectividad de presa del pejelagarto Atractosteus tropicus en etapas larvarias (primeras 8 semanas) utilizando el zooplancton Artemia fransiscana, Daphnia pulex y Moina macrocopa como presas, probando la hipótesis de que la selección de presas en peces está relacionada no solamente a la preferencia por la especie de presa sino también a la diferencia en la densidad de presas en el ambiente. También se probó la respuesta funcional con densidades de presa de 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 y 8.0 ind. mL-1. Para la selección de presa, utilizamos las tres especies de zooplancton en tres densidades diferentes. En ambos experimentos, las larvas de los peces se alimentaron por 45 min. Para cuantificar el comportamiento alimenticio (encuentros, ataques, capturas, ingestiones y rechazos), se usó una densidad de 1 ind. mL-1utilizando cada especie de presa mediante observación directa por 10 minutos. Nuestros resultados muestran que A. tropicus presenta una respuesta funcional Tipo II, depredando principalmente A. franciscana y M. macrocopa. El índice α de Manly mostró que las especies M. macrocopa and A. franciscana fueron las mayormente seleccionadas. Los valores de encuentros para las tres especies de presa fueron relativamente constantes a lo largo de las ocho semanas. Los valores de ataque, captura e ingestión para los cladóceros fueron bajos; sin embargo, se observó gran éxito en la captura e ingestión para todas las especias de presa utilizadas. Nuestros resultados sobre los experimentos de respuesta funcional soportan la hipótesis de que A. tropicus es un depredador activo y presenta una respuesta funcional relacionada con especies de peces carnívoras y que el cambio en la selección de presas sugiere que aún a bajas densidades y disponibilidad de presas, A. tropicus es capaz de manipular y alimentarse de presas de diferentes tamaños. También, sugerimos el uso de una mezcla de A. franciscana y M. macrocopa para alimentar a A. tropicus en sistemas de cultivo en concentraciones ≈ 2 ind. mL-1 durante las primeras tres semanas de edad y después cambiar a M. macrocopa a partir de la cuarta semana. Nuestros resultados, junto con estudios de sobrevivencia de los juveniles pueden ayudar a generar esfuerzos de conservación y mejorar la producción de pejelagarto en acuicultura.

Evolving in the highlands: the case of the Neotropical Lerma live-bearing Poeciliopsis infans (Woolman, 1894) (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) in Central Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Volcanic and tectonic activities in conjunction with Quaternary climate are the main events that shaped the geographical distribution of genetic variation of many lineages. Poeciliopsis infans is the only poeciliid species that was able to colonize the temperate highlands of central Mexico. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic history, and historical demography in the widespread Neotropical species P. infans and correlated this with geological events and the Quaternary glacial-interglacial climate in the highlands of central Mexico, using the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome b and Cytochrome oxidase I and two nuclear loci, Rhodopsin and ribosomal protein S7. RESULTS: Populations of P. infans were recovered in two well-differentiated clades. The maximum genetic distances between the two clades were 3.3% for cytb, and 1.9% for coxI. The divergence of the two clades occurred ca. 2.83 Myr. Ancestral area reconstruction revealed a complex biogeographical history for P. infans. The Bayesian Skyline Plot showed a demographic decline, although more visible for clade A, and more recently showed a population expansion in the last 0.025 Myr. Finally, the habitat suitability modelling showed that during the LIG, clade B had more areas with high probabilities of presence in comparison to clade A, whereas for the LGM, clade A showed more areas with high probabilities of presence in comparisons to clade B. CONCLUSIONS: Poeciliopsis infans has had a complex evolutionary and biogeographic history, which, as in other co-distributed freshwater fishes, seems to be linked to the volcanic and tectonic activities during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene. Populations of P. infans distributed in lowlands showed a higher level of genetic diversity than populations distributed in highlands, which could be linked to more stable and higher temperatures in lowland areas. The fluctuations in population size through time are in agreement with the continuous fluctuations of the climate of central Mexico.