A potential third Manta Ray species near the Yucatan Peninsula? Evidence for a recently diverged and novel genetic Manta group from the Gulf of Mexico.

ABSTRACT: We present genetic and morphometric support for a third, distinct, and recently diverged group of Manta ray that appears resident to the Yucatán coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Individuals of the genus Manta from Isla Holbox are markedly different from the other described manta rays in their morphology, habitat preference, and genetic makeup. Herein referred to as the Yucatán Manta Ray, these individuals form two genetically distinct groups: (1) a group of mtDNA haplotypes divergent (0.78%) from the currently recognized Manta birostris and M. alfredi species, and (2) a group possessing mtDNA haplotypes of M. birostris and highly similar haplotypes. The latter suggests the potential for either introgressive hybridization between Yucatán Manta Rays and M.

SUBMITTER: Hinojosa-Alvarez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5101608 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature