Comparative analysis of three species populations of Profundulus (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) using two genetic markers

Abstract

Background and aims: The fish Family Profundulidae is endemic in south–southeast Mexico, with five known species. The species-level analysis of the genus based on morphological characters is insufficient and complex due to increased phenotypic and intraspecific variation. This variation might be owed to the existence of yet undescribed forms.

Materials and methods: In the present study, the genetic composition of three species of the State of Chiapas, Mexico, is compared by examining different populations of the species Profundulus candalarius, Profundulus labialis, and Profundulus punctatus.

Results: We identified specimens from 16 localities and sequenced mitochondrial DNA representing partial regions of the cytochrome b and cox1 genes.

Conclusion: The results suggest an extreme divergence of the populations of P. labialis from El Sabinal.

Keywords::

• Sequence
• cytochrome b
• cox1
• Profundulus
• Mexico

Acknowledgements

Specimens were collected under a Mexican permit to H. Espinosa (SEMARNAT FAUT-0117). The authors thank F. Álvarez and J.L. Villalobos for the invitation to collect in Chiapas, and P. Escalante, P. Rosas, and L. Márquez for material, help and facilities in the laboratories at the Instituto de Biología, UNAM.

Declarations of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.