Molecular systematics of the Capoeta (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) species complex inferred from mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequence data

Abstract

Capoeta species from Anatolia, Turkey were studied using mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene sequencing to determine whether traditionally defined species and subspecies correspond to taxonomic entities. The systematic topology and genetic divergence for C. antalyensis, C. pestai, C. tinca, C. trutta, C. damascina and C. barroisi was enough to classify them as different species. The 16S rDNA data does not corroborate the use of the classic subspecies nomenclature for C. c. angorae, C. c. capoeta and C. c. sieboldi, but supports the use of species nomenclature for C. angorae, C. capoeta and C. sieboldi. On the other hand the genetic evidence does not support the classic subspecies designation for C.c. umbla and C.c. koswigi because no fixed differences were observed between them. The systematic topology and haplotype differences between these lineages may suggest that these two subspecies are genetically contiguous, and are a member of the species C. trutta. Based on combined molecular and morphologic data, the present study suggests that two undescribed Capoeta species may exist in Anatolia; one species in the Goksu River, and the second species in the Dalaman stream. The 16S mtDNA gene is a useful genetic marker for species and subspecies identification of the genus Capoeta because of its interspecific heterogeneity producing a species specific pattern.