Species richness in the African pike genus Hepsetus: a perfect match between genetics and morphology

J Fish Biol. 2017 Aug;91(2):617-627. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13376.

Abstract

In this study, morphological differences were found that corroborate earlier results that showed the existence of six species within the previously monospecific African pike genus Hepsetus. Additional genetic data (coI, mtDNA and rag1, nDNA) confirm the morphology-based species delineations. Deep genetic divergences imply a relatively old age for diversification within the genus. An identification key for the six species is provided in the present study.

Keywords: African pike; Hepsetidae; coI; identification key; rag1; taxonomy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Characiformes / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / chemistry
  • Esocidae / anatomy & histology
  • Esocidae / classification*
  • Esocidae / genetics
  • Phylogeny*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial