Molecular Systematics and Divergence ofTorandNeolissochilusFishes (Cypriniforms: Cyprinidae) from Southeast Asia and South China

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In Southeast Asia, mahseer fishes, such as the species ofTorandNeolissochilus, are significant native commercial fish. Their phylogeny and categorization have a convoluted history. In this study, the molecular systematics and divergence ofTorandNeolissochilusfishes from Southeast Asia and South China were examined using the partial or complete sequences of four mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase I, cytochromeb, 16S, and ND4). This study substantiated the monophyly ofTorand supportedN. benasias an independent genus. The result supportedT. laterivittatusas a synonym ofT. sinensisandT. dongnaiensisas a synonym ofT. tambra. In addition, we presented the high diversity and species crypticity of these two taxa in Southeast Asia. The divergent time estimation indicatedTorandNeolissochilusspecies originated in the early Miocene (about 16.73 Ma), and the divergence of the genusTorand other species of the genusNeolissochilusbegan at about 12.86 Ma.