Lampreys in California (Lampetra spp.  and Entosphenus spp.): Mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis reveals previously unrecognized lamprey diversity

Abstract

Protecting biodiversity is important for preserving ecosystem functions and services, and understanding the diversity present in a system is necessary for effective conservation. Lampreys display extensive diversity in morphology and life history strategy. The extent of this diversity and the underlying genetic patterns have not yet been fully characterized. Uncertainty about species boundaries and operational taxonomic units hinders lamprey management and conservation. Limited data have been collected on California lampreys (Lampetra spp., Entosphenus spp.), but evidence suggests widespread population decline across the west coast of North America. This study utilized DNA barcoding, phylogenetic analysis, and species delimitation analysis to identify which nominal species are present at study sites across northern and central California, determine whether current taxonomic classifications accurately and sufficiently describe lamprey diversity in California, and characterize the biogeographic distribution of genetically distinct lamprey lineages across the study area. Lamprey individuals (N=89) from 19 sites in the Sacramento‐San Joaquin River basin, San Francisco Bay, and Klamath River basin were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene and combined with publicly available lamprey cyt b sequences for analysis. Results showed relatively deep phylogenetic divergence between Lampetra and Entosphenus. Distinct and genetically divergent lineages were observed within Lampetra, while distinct but genetically similar lineages were observed within Entosphenus. This study revealed novel Lampetra lineages in Napa River and Alameda Creek, and results suggest that the biogeographic distribution of lamprey diversity may follow patterns observed in other native fishes. Species delimitation results indicated at least seven separate candidate species of Lampetra can be found in California, suggesting that California holds more species‐level diversity than the expected three nominal Lampetra species known to occur in the state. These results highlight the underestimated diversity of lamprey in California and the need for further assessment of taxonomic classifications and operational taxonomic unit designations of California lampreys.

Bringing partners together: A symposium on native lampreys and the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative

“…This research adds much to the little currently known about marine biology of anadromous lampreys of conservation concern (Clemens et al 2019;Shink et al 2019;Quintella et al 2021). Research by Auringer et al (2023, this special section) and Hess et al (2023, this special section) indicates the importance of genetic techniques to understand life history, migration, and biodiversity of native lampreys. Auringer et al (2023) informs on the biodiversity and distribution of lampreys in California, while Hess et al (2023) yields insights into the migration of adult Pacific Lamprey as well as the potential for a degree of natal homing.…”

“…Research by Auringer et al. (2023, this special section) and Hess et al. (2023, this special section) indicates the importance of genetic techniques to understand life history, migration, and biodiversity of native lampreys.…”

“…Research by Auringer et al (2023, this special section) and Hess et al (2023, this special section) indicates the importance of genetic techniques to understand life history, migration, and biodiversity of native lampreys. Auringer et al (2023) informs on the biodiversity and distribution of lampreys in California, while Hess et al (2023) yields insights into the migration of adult Pacific Lamprey as well as the potential for a degree of natal homing. These five papers illustrate how life history and distribution of native lampreys are a function of environmental conditions at multiple spatial scales.…”

“…Auringer et al. (2023) informs on the biodiversity and distribution of lampreys in California, while Hess et al. (2023) yields insights into the migration of adult Pacific Lamprey as well as the potential for a degree of natal homing.…”