title: Mitochondrial COI and nuclear RAG1 DNA sequences and analyses of specimens of the three morphologically established species in the genus Trichopsis (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) reveal new/cryptic species.
abstract: Air-breathing fish species of the genus Trichopsis have been reported in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is only in Thailand that all three recognized species (Trichopsis vittata, Trichopsis schalleri and Trichopsis pumila), as judged by distinct external features, are found. Cambodia and Lao PDR harbor two species each. The present work involves first-time DNA sequencing and analysis based on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (RAG1) DNA of numerous specimens of these species and specimens of a controversial Phetchaburi (Thailand) fish population with a mixed outward appearance. In addition to confirming the morphologically clear-cut taxonomic division of the three fish species, our DNA results show that whereas the T. pumila populations form one single species, there are cryptic species in the T. vittata and T. schalleri populations and possibly a new one in the latter. Members of the putative Phetchaburi fish population have been proven to be hybrids between T. pumila and T. vittata. In addition, a new the phylogenetic tree indicating ancestral relationships is also presented. This study should generate further research to find new/cryptic species of the genus Trichopsis in all countries harboring the fish.
authors: Multidisciplinary Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Bhinyo
authors: B
authors: Panijpan
authors: Institute for Innovative Learning, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
authors: Parames
authors: P
authors: Laosinchai
authors: National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand ; Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Saengchan
authors: S
authors: Senapin
authors: Institute for Innovative Learning, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
authors: Chanon
authors: C
authors: Kowasupat
authors: Multidisciplinary Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Pintip
authors: P
authors: Ruenwongsa
authors: Khao Men Resort, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
authors: Jens
authors: J
authors: Kühne
authors: National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand ; Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Kornsunee
authors: K
authors: Phiwsaiya
keywords: COI gene; New/cryptic species; Phylogenetic tree; RAG1 gene; Southeast Asia; Trichopsis pumila; Trichopsis schalleri; Trichopsis vittata