DNA Barcoding Silver Butter Catfish (Schilbe intermedius) Reveals Patterns of Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity Across African River Systems

Abstract

The silver butter catfish (Schilbe intermedius) is widely distributed across African river systems. To date, information on its mitochondrial genetic diversity, population structure, and historical demography are not well-established. Herein, we combined newly generated mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) subunit I gene sequences with previously published COI sequences in the global databases to reconstruct its phylogeography, population genetic structure, and historical demography. Results from the mtDNA phylogeography and species delimitation tests (Cluster algorithm-Species Identifier, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery and Poison Tree Process model) revealed that S. intermedius comprises at least seven geographically defined matrilines. Although the overall haplotype diversity of S. intermedius was high (h = 0.90), results showed that East (Kenya) and West (Nigeria) African populations had low levels of haplotype diversity (h = ~0.40). In addition, population genetic polymorphism and historical demographics showed that S. intermedius populations in both East and West Africa underwent severe contractions as a result of biogeographic influences. The patterns of genetic diversity and population structure were consistent with adaptive responses to historical biogeographic factors and contemporary environmental variations across African river systems. This is suggestive of the influence of historical biogeographic factors and climatic conditions on population divergence of S. intermedius across African river systems. Given our discovery of previously

Molecular characterization of Malapterurus minjiriyaSagua, 1987 and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Malapterurus (Silurifomes, Malapteruridae) from Nigerian inland water bodies

“…Correct identification of morphologically similar species is essential for fisheries management and biodiversity documentation (Amanda & Luciane, 2010). Recent studies on Nigerian freshwater fishes showed that genetic data, in combination with morphological data, could aid accurate and unambiguous identification of the fish species (Nneji et al ., 2020; Oladipo et al ., 2020; Uden et al ., 2020). The application of molecular tools, involving mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI ), has contributed significantly to fish systematics (Iyiola et al ., 2018; Nwani et al ., 2011; Oladipo et al ., 2020).…”

“…This method, commonly referred to as DNA barcoding, has been successfully used to resolve species‐level placement, especially in cases where conventional methods may result in ambiguities (Abdullah & Rehbein, 2017; Hubert et al ., 2008). Currently, DNA barcoding has been advocated as a useful tool for the species identification of various life stages and identification of hidden diversity (Iyiola et al ., 2018; Nneji et al ., 2020; Ward et al ., 2005). Further, the mitochondrial COI gene has been used in elucidating phylogenetic relationships between and within fish species (Iyiola et al ., 2018; Nneji et al ., 2020; Uden et al ., 2020).…”

“…Currently, DNA barcoding has been advocated as a useful tool for the species identification of various life stages and identification of hidden diversity (Iyiola et al ., 2018; Nneji et al ., 2020; Ward et al ., 2005). Further, the mitochondrial COI gene has been used in elucidating phylogenetic relationships between and within fish species (Iyiola et al ., 2018; Nneji et al ., 2020; Uden et al ., 2020).…”

“…Further, this study indicates that M. electricus and M. beninensis had higher intraspecific divergences compared to other Malapterurus species included in this current study. The finding on population divergence was consistent with previous studies ( e.g ., Benzaquem et al ., 2015; Iyiola et al ., 2018; Mat Jaafar et al ., 2012; Mohammed et al ., 2016; Nneji et al ., 2020; van der Bank et al ., 2012) that showed the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in uncovering cryptic lineage diversities in fishes. Increasing sample size and geographic sampling range may discover more cryptic diversity within M. electricus and M. beninensis .…”

Determining the Authenticity of Shark Meat Products by DNA Sequencing

“…For fish, the research project Fish Barcode of Life Initiative (FISH-BOL), launched in 2005 [ 21 ], is probably the most important initiative that not only increased the amount of reference sequences on a global scale, but also provided laboratory protocols, alternative primer cocktails and suggestions to overcome failures [ 22 , 23 ]. Identification of fish species by DNA barcoding has been applied in several contexts [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ] and has also been used to certificate the authenticity of fish species by detecting species substitution on commercial markets [ 9 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Indeed, in the fields of seafood safety, DNA barcoding has earned itself a central role, demonstrating its potential for fast and reliable identification of frauds and is a valid method used by the US Food and Drug Administration for species identification of fish [ 31 ].…”