Dispersal and vicariance of Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794) (Teleostei, Erythrinidae) populations of the Brazilian continental margin

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the Brazilian coastal populations of Hoplias malabaricus were subject to the same geomorphological and palaeohydrological factors that resulted in endemic fish regions, by characterizing the mitochondrial DNA, nuclear sequences and cytogenetic data of these populations. Location Seventeen coastal basins in north‐eastern, eastern and south‐eastern Brazil, plus the São Francisco Basin. Methods Forty‐two specimens were analysed. Mitochondrial ATP synthase 6 (ATPase‐6) and nuclear recombination activating gene 2 (RAG2) gene sequences were used for Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony analyses. Molecular models were selected using MrModeltest. Results Molecular analyses indicated four haplogroups (Northeastern, Eastern A, Eastern B and Southeastern) for ATPase‐6 and three clades for RAG2. All topologies were congruent with Hoplias malabaricus diploid numbers, with most regions of proposed endemism and coastal geomorphological units. Main conclusions Deep genetic divergence between the Northeastern and the other haplogroups was interpreted as evidence of the vicariant effect of the Abrolhos Formation, which effectively isolates 2n = 40 and 2n = 42 coastal populations. To the south, the Cabo Frio Magmatic Lineament also isolates the Eastern and Southeastern 2n = 42 populations. In the Northeastern haplogroup, stream piracy was probably involved in chronologically varied dispersal events between coastal and continental basins. All haplogroups also included haplotypes that dispersed in recent times. Results show an older vicariant pattern and recent dispersal events congruent with the occurrence of temporary connections along the coast caused by eustatic sea level variations and the occurrence of stream piracy involving either continental or coastal basins, and suggest these processes contributed to the current distribution patterns of Brazilian coastal freshwater fish.

Neotropical forest expansion during the last glacial period challenges refuge hypothesis

“…3B). This region therefore marks major geomorphological and climatic transitions and must have been crucial in shaping the evolutionary history of the adjacent biota (26). Statistical phylogeographic studies on other Atlantic Forest organisms showed mixed results regarding demographic changes during the LGM, but moderate population growth and demographic stability were found for a warbler (27), toads (25), and one spider (28).…”

Cytogenetic and DNA barcoding reveals high divergence within the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) from the lower Amazon River

“…This conclusion was further reinforced by morphological (Rosa et al, 2009;Piorsky, 2010) and molecular data 2002;Santos et al, 2009;Piorsky, 2010;Pereira et al, 2013). Thus, the available chromosomal, morphological and DNA evidence provide strong support for the existence of a complex of cryptic species within the typical Hoplias malabaricus morphotype, which requires careful taxonomic revision.…”

Cytogenetic and Molecular Data SuggestDeuterodon pedriEigenmann, 1907 (Teleostei: Characidae) Is a Member of an Ancient Coastal Group

“…Eustatic sea alterations have been considered major factors shaping the phylogeography of Hoplias malabaricus populations along the Brazilian coast. 72 In the temporal scale, the similarity of ichthyofauna between coastal and continental basins can be explained by Cretaceous vicariant events (pattern A), tertiary cladogenetic events (pattern B), and most recent vicariant events (pattern C). 60 The pattern B is defined by phylogenetic relationship to the level of genera, between sister-groups of the endemic ichthyofauna of Brazilian coastal basins and adjacent shields, in which, in some cases, both clades underwent subsequent radiation.…”