Genetic differentiation in Scriptaphyosemion geryi (Lambert, 1958) suggests the existence of a species complex

Agnèse J.F., Cauvet C., Romand R.

Date de parution: juillet 2013
Volume: 37
Number: 3
Pagination: 165-169
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2013-373-004
Notes:

How to cite: Agnèse, J.-F., Cauvet, C., & Romand, R. (2013). Genetic differentiation in Scriptaphyosemion geryi (Lambert, 1958) suggests the existence of a species complex. Cybium, 37(3): 165-169. https://doi.org/10.26028/CYBIUM/2013-373-004

Résumé

Scriptaphyosemion geryi (Lambert, 1958) is a well-defined taxa easily distinguished from the other congeneric species by a red marbled pattern, unpaired fins with deep blue blotches, blue margin and red submargin. A zigzag mid longitudinal dark line on sides characterizes females. For long, due to a high phenotypic variability, this taxa was suspected to encompass several cryptic species. We sampled 20 populations representing the entire species range and characterized the genotypes (cytochrome b, mitochondrial DNA) of their specimens. Results allowed grouping populations in five clusters composed of geographically-linked populations. Compared with those observed in other species from the subgenus Chromaphyosemion (Radda, 1971), all these results strongly suggested that S. geryi encompassed five different species.

Mots-clés: Aplocheilidae - Killifish - Nothobranchiidae - Scriptaphyosemion geryi - Speciation - West Africa
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