Genetic structure of Mexican lionfish populations in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

ABSTRACT: The recent expansion of the invasive lionfish throughout the Western Hemisphere is one of the most extensively studied aquatic invasions. Molecular studies have improved our understanding of larval dispersal, connectivity, and biogeographical barriers among lionfish populations, but none have included Mexican localities, an important area for the larval dispersal of Pterois volitans through the Western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Here, we present a genetic analysis of lionfishes collected along Mexican coasts, examining their connectivity with other Caribbean localities (Belize, Cuba, Puerto Rico) and the role of ocean currents on population structure. We collected 213 lionfish samples from seven locations comprising four countries. To evaluate genetic structure, mitochondrial contro

SUBMITTER: Labastida-Estrada E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6772041 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature