Integrated genetic and morphological data support eco‐evolutionary divergence of Angolan and South African populations of Diplodus hottentotus

• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13582
• Publication Date: 2018-03-01T05:46:36Z
• Authors: M. P. Gwilliam; A. C. Winkler; W. M. Potts; C. V. Santos; W. H. H. Sauer; P. W. Shaw; N. J. McKeown
• Keywords: Subspecies; Diplodus; Genetic divergence; Meristics; Sparidae

The genus Diplodus presents multiple cases of taxonomic conjecture. Among these the D. cervinus complex was previously described as comprising three subspecies that are now regarded separate species: cervinus, hottentotus and omanensis. exhibits a clear break in its distribution around Benguela Current system, prompting speculation Angolan South African populations flanking this area may be isolated warrant formal distinction. This study reports first integrated genetic [mitochondrial (mt)DNA nuclear microsatellite] morphological (morphometric, meristic colouration) to assess patterns divergence between two regions. High levels cytonuclear support prolonged period isolation, with sharing only one mtDNA haplotype (12 haplotypes were fully sorted regions) attributed retention ancestral polymorphism. Fish from regions significantly differentiated at number morphometric (69·5%) (46%) characters. In addition, fish exhibited reciprocally diagnostic colouration more similar Mediterranean Indian Ocean congeners, respectively. Based on congruent phenotypic diversity we suggest use hottentotus, whether for full species or status, should restricted reflect their status distinct species-like unit, while relationship Atlantic-Mediterranean will require further demo-genetic analysis. highlights utility approaches within biogeographically dynamic region.