Evidence of cryptic species in the blenniid Cirripectesalboapicalis species complex, with zoogeographic implications for the South Pacific.

ABSTRACT: Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island (Chile), is one of the most isolated tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. The island location of Rapa Nui makes it the easternmost point of the geographic ranges for many western Pacific fish species that are restricted to the subtropical islands south of 20°S latitude. The blenniid fish species Cirripectesalboapicalis has been thought to have one of the most extensive geographic distribution ranges among these southern subtropical fish species, extending from the southern Great Barrier Reef to Rapa Nui. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the taxonomic status of the species. The results provide genetic evidence that suggests that this formerly South Pacific-wide species comprises at least three cryptic species with allopatr

SUBMITTER: Delrieu-Trottin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6308223 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature