Molecular phylogeny of Oreochromis (Cichlidae: Oreochromini) reveals mito-nuclear discordance and multiple colonisation of adverse aquatic environments

Publication date: Available online 8 April 2019Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and EvolutionAuthor(s): Antonia G.P. Ford, Thomas R. Bullen, Longson Pang, Martin J. Genner, Roger Bills, Tomáš Flouri, Benjamin P. Ngatunga, Lukas Rüber, Ulrich K. Schliewen, Ole Seehausen, Asilatu Shechonge, Melanie L.J. Stiassny, George F. Turner, Julia J. DayAbstractAlthough the majority of cichlid diversity occurs in the African Great Lakes, these fish have also diversified across the African continent. Such continental radiations, occurring in both rivers and lakes have received far less attention than lacustrine radiations despite some members, such as the oreochromine cichlids (commonly referred to as ‘tilapia’), having significant scientific and socio-economic importance both within and beyond their native range. Unique among cichlids, several species of the genus Oreochromis exhibit adaptation to soda conditions (including tolerance of elevated temperatures and salinity), which are of interest from evolutionary biology research and aquaculture perspectives. Questions remain regarding the factors facilitating the diversification of this group, which to date have not been addressed within a phylogenetic framework. Here we present the first comprehensive (32/37 described species) multi-marker molecular phylogeny of Oreochromis and closely related Alcolapia, based on mitochondrial (1583 bp) and nuclear (3092 bp) sequence data. We show widespread discordance between nuclear DNA and mito...
Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research