DNA barcoding identification of Greek freshwater fishes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263118
• Publication Date: 2022-01-26T18:36:27Z
• Authors: Alexandros Tsoupas; Sofia Papavasileiou; Styliani Minoudi; Konstantinos Gkag...; Olga Petriki; Dimitra Bobori; Argyrios Sapounidis; Emmanouil Koutrakis; Ioannis Leonardos; Nikoleta Karaiskou; Alexandros Triant...
• Keywords: DNA Barcoding; Fresh water fish; Freshwater ecosystem; Species complex; Genetic distance

Biodiversity is a key factor for the functioning and efficiency of an ecosystem. Greece, though covering relatively small surface area, hosts great deal species diversity. This especially true freshwater fishes. In recent years, traditional methods identification have been supplemented by use molecular markers. The present study therefore aims to extensively produce DNA barcodes Greek fish investigate thoroughly if presently accepted classification in agreement with data. A 624-bases long fragment COI gene was sequenced, from 406 specimens belonging 24 genera originating 18 lake river sites. These sequences were used along 596 same genera, recovered BOLD, construction phylogenetic trees estimation genetic distances between individuals. total, 1002 72 analyzed. method found be effective 55 studied species. 17 closely related low interspecific observed, which further proposed. It should also noted that, four cases, cryptic diversity where groups originally identified as one exhibited distance enough separated into discrete Region specific haplotypes detected within populations 14 species, giving possibility identify even geographic origin Our findings are discussed light rich history Balkan peninsula provide significant steppingstone European biodiversity.