Clarifying the taxonomy of some cryptic blennies (Blenniidae) in their native and introduced range.

ABSTRACT: Omobranchus punctatus is native to the Indo-Pacific region and invasive in the Atlantic region, currently being considered one of the most widely distributed blenny species. However, recent molecular studies indicated that O. punctatus is a complex of species, with three divergent mtDNA lineages identified to date, stressing the need for a taxonomic revision. In this study, we used an integrative approach, combining morphological and genetic data, to shed light on the taxonomy and distribution of O. punctatus. Moreover, we provide the first genetic records of introduced populations in Brazil and discuss the introduction pattern of this species in this region. Morphological data shows that O. punctatus consists of at least five distinct and geographically restricted species: O. punctatus se

SUBMITTER: Cabezas MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9184548 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature