Journal Article
Morphological and molecular characterization of the Makran Glossogobius cf. giuris (Teleostei: Gobiidae) and the Glossogobius giuris species complex taxonomy
Zarei, F., Esmaeili, H.R. and Ghanbarifardi, M.
Record Number:
6273
Year:
2023
Journal:
Zootaxa
Pages:
28-50
Volume:
5346
Abstract:
The Indo-West Pacific Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) species complex has four spatially circumscribed independent
lineages, partially taxonomically resolved. A sample of gobies from the G. giuris species complex was recently collected
from the Makran River System, south-eastern Iran, which drains into the northern Oman Sea. The taxonomic status
of this population was clarified using a molecular and morphological framework. Molecular and morphological data
both revealed that the examined sample from the Makran River System is conspecific with G. giuris B which is widely
distributed in the coastal habitats and basins of the Indian Ocean. In addition, consensus from different molecular species
delimitations, K2P genetic distance, and tree topologies confirmed the four lineages of the G. giuris species complex as
distinct taxonomic entities, hereby highlighting the necessity of an integrative morphological and molecular approach to
complete the clarification of taxonomic diversity within this group. Glossogobius giuris species complex taxonomy is
discussed and solution recommended.
Key words: cryptic species, Iran, northern Oman Sea, phylogenetic placement, Tank Goby
Times Cited:
2