Genetic and morphological divergence within the Sebastes pachycephalus complex (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

摘要: Genetic and morphological divergence among the four subspecies in Sebastes pachycephalus complex (S. pachycephalus, S. p. nigricans, p.nudus chalcogrammus) was clarified. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on AFLP clearly divided 55 specimens of into two groups, pachycephalus–S. nigricans group (P-Ni group) nudus–S. chalcogrammus (Nu-C group), although three occupied intermediate positions. The minimum spanning network (MSN) partial sequences mitochondrial control region (mtCR) failed to separate either P-Ni Nu-C groups or distinct clades, restricted gene flow genetic differentiation between former were indicated by FST estimation. Differences characters, including counts pectoral fin rays dorsal spines lacking basal scales, also evident groups. However, little no difference found within each group. It concluded that actually represent different species, which is further supported their sympatric distribution. body coloration presence absence brown spots ventral surface, formerly used discriminate “subspecies,” may simply intraspecific variation. occupying positions PCoA equivocal species principal component (PCA) morphometric suggesting they hybrids species. star-shaped MSN mtCR, lacks clades representing be due not only interspecific hybridization but sharing ancestral haplotypes.