The cyprinodont fish Rivulus (Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae) in Trinidad and Tobago: molecular evidence for marine dispersal, genetic isolation and local differentiation

Jowers, M.J., Cohen, B.L. and Downie, J.R. (2008) The cyprinodont fish Rivulus (Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae) in Trinidad and Tobago: molecular evidence for marine dispersal, genetic isolation and local differentiation. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research, 46(1), pp. 48-55. (doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2007.00422.x)

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNA sequences (756?bp) were obtained from the cytochrome b gene of 36 Rivulus individuals collected from 10 sites in Trinidad and one site in Tobago. Eight haplotypes were identified. Low genetic divergence (0.5%) between one western Trinidad (Blue Basin) haplotype and Rivulus hartii from north-western Venezuela (Paria peninsula) and high genetic divergence (c. 11%) between these and the remaining other Trinidad and Tobago haplotypes suggests that the islands were colonized by two lineages. The commoner haplotype is distributed throughout lowland Trinidad, possibly a reflection of flooding of the Orinoco River leading to high dispersal between watersheds. Rivulus from higher altitude (Northern Range) localities that would not have been affected by such flooding show high genetic divergence between sites. The genetic differentiation between northern and southern watersheds suggests isolation between some of these drainages.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cohen, Dr Bernard and Downie, Professor Roger
• Authors: Jowers, M.J., Cohen, B.L., and Downie, J.R.
• Subjects: Q Science > QL Zoology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research
• ISSN: 0947-5745