A multigene molecular assessment of cryptic biodiversity in the iconic freshwater blackfishes (Teleostei: Percichthyidae: Gadopsis) of south-eastern Australia

摘要: Freshwater biodiversity is under ever increasing threat from human activities, and its conservation management require a sound knowledge of species-level taxonomy. Cryptic common feature for aquatic systems, particularly in Australia, where recent genetic assessments suggest that the actual number freshwater fish species may be considerably higher than currently listed. The blackfishes (genus Gadopsis) are an iconic group south-eastern Australia and, combination with their broad, naturally divided distribution biological attributes might limit dispersal, as well ongoing taxonomic uncertainty, they comprise ideal study assessing cryptic biodiversity. We used multigene molecular assessment including both nuclear (51 allozyme loci; two S7 introns) matrilineal markers (cytb) to assess boundaries broad substructure within blackfishes. Range-wide examination demonstrates presence at least six candidate across nominal taxa, Gadopsis marmoratus bispinosus. Phylogeographical patterns often aligned purported biogeographical provinces but occasionally reflected more restricted unexpected relationships. highlight key issues taxonomy, conservation, highly modified region. © 2014 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2014, 111, 521–540.