Molecular Phylogeny and Evolutionary History of the <i>Genus Cyprinus</i> (Teleostei: Cypriniformes)
The genus <i>Cyprinus</i> encompasses economically vital freshwater fish species; yet the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of many taxa within this genus remain unresolved. To address this knowledge gap, we reconstructed the molecular phylogenetic and estimated diverge...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Fishes |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/10/3/121 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The genus <i>Cyprinus</i> encompasses economically vital freshwater fish species; yet the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of many taxa within this genus remain unresolved. To address this knowledge gap, we reconstructed the molecular phylogenetic and estimated divergence times using complete mitochondrial cytochrome <i>b</i> (<i>CYTB</i>) sequences of 76 Cyprinidae specimens, within Cyprinidae, including 4 outgroup species. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods, while divergence times were estimated using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach. The results confirmed the monophyly of the genus <i>Cyprinus.</i> The relationships among <i>C.</i> (<i>Cyprinus</i>) <i>multitaeniata</i>, <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>pellegrini</i>, <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>acutidorsalis</i>, and three Erhai Lake species (<i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>longipectoralis, C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>barbatus</i>, and <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>chilia</i>) were resolved with strong support. <i>Cyprinus</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>multitaeniata</i> is basal. The species in Erhai Lake form a monophyletic group, and <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>acutidorsalis</i> is at the top of the phylogenetic tree. The taxonomic delineation within the genus <i>Cyprinus</i> remains controversial, particularly regarding the proposed division into two subgenera (<i>Cyprinus</i> and <i>Mesocyprinus</i>), which has been historically constrained by limited specimen availability for <i>Mesocyprinus.</i> Our comprehensive phylogenetic analysis reveals significant evolutionary divergence patterns: The genus <i>Cyprinus</i> diverged from <i>Carassius</i> during the 56.9 Mya. Notably, the Erhai Lake radiation species (<i>C</i>. (<i>C.</i>) <i>longipectoralis, C</i>. (<i>C.</i>) <i>barbatus</i>, and <i>C</i>. (<i>C.</i>) <i>chilia</i>) originated during 2.03 Mya, while the Lake Biwa endemic <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>haematopterus</i> demonstrates 8.7 Mya. We identified a late Pleistocene speciation event (0.75 Mya) in <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>acutidorsalis,</i> coinciding with its adaptation to brackish water ecosystems. The native <i>C.</i> (<i>C.</i>) <i>pellegrini</i> of Xingyun Lake and Chilu Lake may have originated 4.8 Mya, when the ancient lake that its ancestral population inhabited became isolated. These findings provide robust molecular evidence supporting the recognition of two evolutionary distinct subgenera within <i>Cyprinus</i>. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2410-3888 |