A Comparative Phylogeography of Three Marine Species with Different PLD Modes Reveals Two Genetic Breaks across the Southern Caribbean Sea.

The comparative phylogeography of marine species with contrasting dispersal potential across the southern Caribbean Sea was evaluated by the presence of two putative barriers: the Magdalena River plume (MRP) and the combination of the absence of a rocky bottom and the almost permanent upwelling in the La Guajira Peninsula (ARB + PUG). Three species with varying biological and ecological characteristics (i.e., dispersal potentials) that inhabit shallow rocky bottoms were selected: Cittarium pica (PLD < 6 days), Acanthemblemaria rivasi (PLD < 22 days), and Nerita tessellata (PLD > 60 days). We generated a set of SNPs for the three species using the ddRad-seq technique. Samples of each species were collected in five locations from Capurganá to La Guajira. For the first time, evidence of a phylogeographic break caused by the MRP is provided, mainly for A. rivasi (AMOVA: ΦCT = 0.420). The ARB + PUG barrier causes another break for A. rivasi (ΦCT = 0.406) and C. pica (ΦCT = 0.224). Three populations (K = 3) were identified for A. rivasi and C. pica, while N. tessellata presented one population (K = 1). The Mantel correlogram indicated that A. rivasi and C. pica fit the hierarchical population model, and only the A. rivasi and C. pica comparisons showed phylogeographic congruence. Our results demonstrate how the biological traits of these three species and the biogeographic barriers have influenced their phylogeographic structure.

Multiple origins define the genetic structure of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in the colombian Caribbean Sea.

The tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon is a native species of the Indo-Pacific Ocean that was introduced to promote its cultivation in several American countries, including Colombia. As a result of inappropriate aquaculture practices, it has established itself in the wild in almost all the Colombian Caribbean Sea. To evaluate the genetic diversity, population structure, and origin of the founder populations, samples from three sites in the Colombian Caribbean were analyzed from 10 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial DNA Control Region. Genetic diversity similar to native populations was found to be present in three relatively discrete populations and their origin is related to natural populations from Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan and China. We discuss how oceanographic conditions and culture systems of tiger shrimp facilitated the success of biological invasion processes in marine ecosystems of the Colombian Caribbean.

Baja variabilidad y diferenciación genética poblacional en la "lisa", Mugil incilis (Teleostei: Mugilidae) del Caribe colombiano

La "Lisa" Mugil incilis, es uno de los recursos ícticos más importante de la industria pesquera artesanal del Caribe de Colombia. Sin embargo, sus poblaciones llevan siendo sobreexplotadas por décadas, que en conjunto con el deterioro de su hábitat podrían estar causando un efecto negativo en la variabilidad genética de las mismas. Con el objetivo de generar información científica que permita apoyar decisiones y políticas más adecuadas de manejo pesquero y conservación se evaluó la variabilidad y la estructura genética de M. incilis a lo largo de la costa del Caribe de Colombia. Se seleccionaron seis sistemas costeros, entre ellos tres lagunas costeras de acceso abierto a la pesca (Ciénaga La Virgen, Ciénaga La Caimanera y Bahía de Cispatá) y tres santuarios de fauna y flora de la red de Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (los santuarios de fauna y flora Los Flamencos, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta y El Corchal). Se utilizaron siete loci microsatélites, los cuales revelaron 94 alelos con un promedio de 11.6 alelos por locus. Los valores de variabilidad genética en todos los sitios de muestreo fueron bajos (Ho = 0.108-0.402), aunque demostraron tener un alto potencial genético (He = 0.772-0.868). Se encontró que todos los loci presentaron desequilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg debido a una deficiencia de heterocigotos. Esto fue concordante con los eventos de cuellos de botellas recientes que se determinaron en todas las lagunas y las causas pueden ser la sobrepesca y la presencia de alelos nulos. Los resultados del análisis de estructuración genética demostraron la existencia de tres poblaciones, una conformada por las localidades ubicadas desde el sector de La Guajira hasta Sucre y una segunda en Bahía de Cispatá y la tercera en la Ciénaga La Caimanera. Este estudio sugiere que los procesos involucrados en el nivel de aprovechamiento pesquero, en el ciclo reproductivo y en las condiciones oceanográficas de la región del Caribe Sur determinan la variabilidad y estructura genética de M. incilis. Se proponen recomendaciones para el manejo y conservación de M. incilis.

The "Mullet" Mugil incilis is one of the most important fish resources of the artisanal fishing industry of the Colombian Caribbean. However, their populations are being overexploited for decades, which together with the deterioration of their habitat could be causing a negative effect on the genetic variability of their populations. In order to generate scientific information to support decisions and more appropriate fisheries management and conservation policies, the variability and genetic structure of M. incilis along the Caribbean coast of Colombia was evaluated. Six coastal systems were selected, including three coastal lagoon systems with open access to fishing (Ciénaga La Virgen, Ciénaga La Caimanera and Bahía de Cispatá) and three coastal lagoons belonging to fauna and flora sanctuaries of the network of National Natural Parks of Colombia (Los Flamencos, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and El Corchal). Seven microsatellite loci were used, which revealed 94 alleles with an average of 11.6 alleles per locus. The values of genetic variability in all sampling sites were low (Ho = 0.108-0.402), although they showed a high genetic potential (He = 0.772-0.868). All the loci presented departures from the Hardy-Weinberg expectations due to a deficiency of heterozygotes. This was in agreement with the events of recent bottlenecks that were determined in all the lagoons and the causes could be overfishing and the presence of null alleles. The analysis of genetic structuring revealed the existence of two populations, one formed by the localities located from La Guajira to Sucre; a second in Bahía de Cispatá and the third one in Ciénaga La Caimanera. This study suggests that the processes involved in the level of fishing exploitation, in the reproductive cycle and in the oceanographic conditions of the South Caribbean region determine the genetic variability and structure of M. incilis. Recommendations for the management and conservation of M. incilis are proposed.

Genomics overrules mitochondrial DNA, siding with morphology on a controversial case of species delimitation.

Species delimitation is a major quest in biology and is essential for adequate management of the organismal diversity. A challenging example comprises the fish species of red snappers in the Western Atlantic. Red snappers have been traditionally recognized as two separate species based on morphology: Lutjanus campechanus (northern red snapper) and L. purpureus (southern red snapper). Recent genetic studies using mitochondrial markers, however, failed to delineate these nominal species, leading to the current lumping of the northern and southern populations into a single species ( L. campechanus). This decision carries broad implications for conservation and management as red snappers have been commercially over-exploited across the Western Atlantic and are currently listed as vulnerable. To address this conflict, we examine genome-wide data collected throughout the range of the two species. Population genomics, phylogenetic and coalescent analyses favour the existence of two independent evolutionary lineages, a result that confirms the morphology-based delimitation scenario in agreement with conventional taxonomy. Despite finding evidence of introgression in geographically neighbouring populations in northern South America, our genomic analyses strongly support isolation and differentiation of these species, suggesting that the northern and southern red snappers should be treated as distinct taxonomic entities.

Genetic variation and genetic structure of Caranx hippos (Teleostei: Carangidae) in the Colombian Caribbean / Variación y estructura genética de Caranx hippos(Teleostei: Carangidae) en el Caribe de Colombia

Abstract The crevalle jack Caranx hippos, has a wide distribution in the Western Atlantic, becoming one of the most economically important species in the artisanal fishing industry in Colombia. However, little is known about its biology. The present study aimed to evaluate the variation and genetic structure of C. Hippos in the Colombian Caribbean by analyzing the mitochondrial DNA region control and cytochrome oxidase subunit (COI). We sequenced the DNA of 153 muscle samples collected from specimens obtained from six fishing ports. The results showed 21 haplotypes for COI and 116 haplotypes for the control region, divided into two lineages that do not exhibit a pattern of geographical distribution. For mitochondrial control region, the estimated haplotype diversity (Hd) presented relatively high values (Hd= 0.99 and = 0.1), while for COI results were Hd = 0.68 and = 0.01; the relationship between haplotype and nucleotide diversity and the neutrality test revealed that C. Hippos experienced bottlenecking and a subsequent rapid population expansion. Estimates of genetic structure were low and insignificant, indicating no differentiation between samples collected from geographical isolation. This suggests that for the Colombian Caribbean there is a panmictic population of C. hippos. However, variations were found at population levels, especially in La Guajira, Turbo and San Antero, which, when compared to those included for Brazil and México, demonstrated that unique haplotypes in La Guajira are more aligned to the Brazilian populations, by means of the influence of the Caribbean Current, whilst those from Turbo and San Antero are more frequent in haplotypes originating from Mexico. Future studies should focus the understanding of these processes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 122-135. Epub 2018 March 01.

Resumen El jurelCaranx hipposes considerado una de las principales especies objeto de la pesquería artesanal en aguas colombianas; sin embargo, es poco lo que se conoce respecto a su estructura poblacional. El presente estudio propuso evaluar la variación y estructura genética en el Caribe colombiano a partir del análisis de la región control y la subunidad citocromo oxidasa I (COI) del ADN mitocondrial. Secuenciamos el ADN de 153 muestras de músculo recolectadas de ejemplares desembarcados en seis puertos pesqueros. Los resultados mostraron 21 haplotipos para COI y 116 haplotipos para la región control, distribuidos en dos linajes que no presentan un patrón de distribución geográfica. Para la región control la diversidad genética fue alta (Hd=0.99 y π = 0.1), mientras que para COI los resultados fueron Hd=0.68 y π =0.01, esto mostró que probablemente C. hipos pasó por un evento que provocó la disminución drástica de la población y posteriormente tuvo un crecimiento rápido. Las estimaciones del grado de estructuración genética fueron bajas y poco significativas indicando la ausencia de diferenciación entre las muestras recolectadas a partir de un aislamiento geográfico, esto sugiere que la población de C. hipos es panmictica; sin embargo, se hallaron variaciones a nivel intrapoblacional especialmente en La Guajira, Turbo y San Antero, los cuales al ser comparados con los haplotipos incluidos de Brasil y México se encontró que el único haplotipo hallado en La Guajira está alineado con el de Brasil, facilitado probablemente por la corriente del Caribe, mientras que los de Turbo y San Antero con los de México.

Ecología de la anidación de Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) en Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia / Nesting ecology of Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) in Bahia Portete, La Guajira, Colombia

ResumenEn Colombia, C. acutus se encuentra catalogada en peligro crítico. Durante julio 2007, agosto 2008, junio y agosto 2009 y entre marzo y agosto 2010 y 2011, la población en Bahía Portete fue estudiada para evaluar la anidación y obtener la información necesaria para el ajuste de un programa de manejo acorde con la biología de la especie. Este estudio asumió la vinculación de la comunidad indígena Wayuü para emplear el modelo de acuerdo de conservación. Se realizaron transectos en toda la costa de la bahía para la búsqueda de nidadas. En la determinación de las áreas de importancia para la anidación, se registraron las características biométricas de los nidos, la biometría de huevos y crías, la fertilidad de huevos y eventos reproductivos. Como resultado se recorrieron 55.12 km, se determinaron cuatro zonas de importancia para la anidación, la de mayor importancia fue la isla Juyui. En todas las áreas de anidación, variables como la anidación colonial o gregaria y las variables ambientales fueron factores que afectaron el éxito de eclosión. El 37 % de los nidos estuvieron orientados hacia el norte y el 48 % fueron construidos en cercanía de Stenocereus griseus. La isla Juyui presentó los mayores porcentaje de arena (71.9 %, 71.44 %). El promedio de huevos por nido fue 28.42 ± 6.63. Los huevos presentaron un diámetro mayor promedio de 71.84 ± 3.54 mm y peso 81.54 ± 9.99 g. Las crías presentaron un promedio de longitud total de 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. El período reproductivo para este sector de Colombia, se inicia en marzo y culmina en agosto. Las pocas áreas de anidación y la fertilidad del 95 % sugieren la ejecución de un programa conservación para C. acutus en Bahía Portete.

Abstract:C. acutus is cataloged in critical danger in Colombia. We studied its population at Bahia Portete, in order to survey the nesting activities and to obtain valuable information for a conservation management program. This study was undertaken with the participation of the Wayuü community using the Agreement Conservation Model, and took place during July 2007, August 2008, June and August 2009, and March to August 2010 and 2011. Sampling surveys were made by the use of transects along the coast, in order to find nests. For each nesting area found, we recorded the nests biometrics, eggs and hatchlings, fertility of the eggs and reproductive events. We explored a total of 55.12 km, and determined four nesting areas. Colonial nesting and the environmental variables were factors that affected the hatchling success. From the total of nests found, 37 % were oriented towards North, and 48 % were built next to Stenocereus griseus. Juyui island substrate was mostly constituted by sand (71.9 %, 71.44 %). The average number of eggs by nest was 28.42 ± 6.63, the largest egg diameter was 71.84 ± 3.54 mm, the average nest weight was 81.54 ± 9.99 g, and the hatchlings presented an average length of 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. For this specific site in Colombia, the reproductive period begins in March and ends in August. The few areas of nesting and the 95 % fertility suggest the performance of a conservation management program for this species at Bahía Portete. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 211-228. Epub 2017 March 01.

[Nesting ecology of Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) in Bahia Portete, La Guajira, Colombia]. / Ecología de la anidación de crocodylus acutus (ReptiliaL Crocodylidae) en Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia.

C. acutus is cataloged in critical danger in Colombia. We studied its population at Bahia Portete, in order to survey the nesting activities and to obtain valuable information for a conservation management program. This study was undertaken with the participation of the Wayuü community using the Agreement Conservation Model, and took place during July 2007, August 2008, June and August 2009, and March to August 2010 and 2011. Sampling surveys were made by the use of transects along the coast, in order to find nests. For each nesting area found, we recorded the nests biometrics, eggs and hatchlings, fertility of the eggs and reproductive events. We explored a total of 55.12 km, and determined four nesting areas. Colonial nesting and the environmental variables were factors that affected the hatchling success. From the total of nests found, 37 % were oriented towards North, and 48 % were built next to Stenocereus griseus. Juyi island substrate was mostly constituted by sand (71.9 %, 71.44 %). The average number of eggs by nest was 28.42 ± 6.63, the largest egg diameter was 71.84 ± 3.54 mm, the average nest weight was 81.54 ± 9.99 g, and the hatchlings presented an average length of 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. For this specific site in Colombia, the reproductive period begins in March and ends in August. The few areas of nesting and the 95 % fertility suggest the performance of a conservation management program for this species at Bahía Portete.

Genetic diversity and population structure of bocachico Prochilodus magdalenae (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) in the Magdalena River basin and its tributaries, Colombia.

Prochilodus magdalenae is an endemic freshwater fish that occurs in the Magdalena, Sinú and Atrato hydrographic basins. It has an important economic role and is a food resource for the artisanal fishing communities. Its socioeconomic importance contrasts with the current status of its fisheries, where stocks are being depleted. Considering its importance and lack of information on its genetic structure, we used seven microsatellite markers to assess the genetic structure of wild populations of P. magdalenae. The genetic diversity was assessed and the population genetic structure was estimated through Fst, analysis of molecular variance and Bayesian analysis. A total of 290 alleles were found in all loci throughout all population. The high polymorphism contrasts with the levels of observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.276), which are the lowest values recorded for the family. We found three populations of bocachico coexisting throughout the studied system, contradicting the hypothesis that freshwater migratory fish form panmictic populations. These results on the genetic structure of P. magdalenae constitute tools for a better understanding of the behavior and biology of this species, contributing to fish management and conservation programs.