Multi-locus phylogeny reveals instances of mitochondrial introgression and unrecognized diversity in Kenyan barbs (Cyprininae: Smiliogastrini).
The phylogenetics and taxonomic status of small African barbs (Cyprininae: Smiliogastrini) remains unresolved despite the recent decision to elevate the genus name Enteromius for the group. The main barrier to understanding the origin of African small barbs and evolutionary relationships within the group is the poor resolution of phylogenies published to date. These phylogenies usually rely on mitochondrial markers and have limited taxon sampling. Here we investigate the phylogenetic relationships of small barbs of Kenya utilizing cytochrome b, Growth Hormone (GH) intron 2, and RAG1 markers from multiple populations of many species in the region. This multi-locus study produced well-supported phylogenies and revealed additional issues that complicate understanding the relationships among East African barbs. We observed widespread mtDNA introgression within the Kenyan barbs, highlighting the need to include nuclear markers in phylogenetic studies of the group. The GH intron 2 resolved heterospecific individuals and aided in inferring the species level phylogeny. The study reveals unrecognized diversity within the group, including within species reported to occur throughout East Africa, and it provides the groundwork for future taxonomic work in the region and across Africa.
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, 400 Boggs Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States; Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Mpala Postdoctoral Fellow, Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555-10400, Nanyuki, Kenya. Electronic address: rschmidt@tulane.edu.
Ray C
RC
Schmidt
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, 400 Boggs Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States.
Henry L
HL
Bart
Ichthyology Section, National Museums of Kenya, PO Box 40658-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Wanja Dorothy
WD
Nyingi
D000818:Animals; D003530:Cyprinidae / Q000235:genetics*; D045303:Cytochromes b / Q000235:genetics; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D056426:Genetic Loci; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005843:Geography; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D007438:Introns / Q000235:genetics; D007630:Kenya; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D013045:Species Specificity
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D013006:Growth Hormone; D045303:Cytochromes b
East Africa; Growth Hormone; Hybridization; ‘Barbus’