Identity of H. zebra clarified
Posted: 01 Apr 2011, 00:19
Multiple gene sequences provide stunning news on the identity of Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes: Loricariidae).
Abstract
Leoni de Sousa and John Schaefer
The Zebra Pleco was first presented by the German aquarists journal DATZ in 1989. This journal gives “L-numbers” to undescribed species and forms of loricariids in order to catalog them. The Zebra Pleco’s number was L46. Soon it became a very popular among aquarists. In 1991 Isbrücker and Nijssen described the fish as Hypancistrus zebra. Its distribution is limited to Xingu river, with most of the individuals living in an area near Altamira called “volta grande”. Now, 20 years after its scientific description, a huge hydroelectric power plant will be installed in the Xingu river. As consequence of the project, the “volta grande” will dry as the water will pass through a bypass. Thus, H. zebra is seriously threatened by extinction. Therefore we analyzed DNA-sequences from several genes of H. zebra and closely related species. We were able to gain sequences from 314 individuals of 10 forms of Hypancistrus known from the Xingu river, including a sample from the holotype of H. zebra. As already expected from hybridization experiments, all forms are very closely related. But our data revealed a stunning result: the DNA sequences from the holotype of H. zebra are clearly distinct from that of the individuals commonly identified as H. zebra (p = 0.0002). Actually, the holotype grouped with the individuals from a form known as Hypancistrus spec. L173. Our results will have deep impact on recent taxonomy and the revision of the genus in progress by scientists at INPA.
Keywords: Hypancistrus, Loricariidae, multiple gene analysis
Pdf here.
Abstract
Leoni de Sousa and John Schaefer
The Zebra Pleco was first presented by the German aquarists journal DATZ in 1989. This journal gives “L-numbers” to undescribed species and forms of loricariids in order to catalog them. The Zebra Pleco’s number was L46. Soon it became a very popular among aquarists. In 1991 Isbrücker and Nijssen described the fish as Hypancistrus zebra. Its distribution is limited to Xingu river, with most of the individuals living in an area near Altamira called “volta grande”. Now, 20 years after its scientific description, a huge hydroelectric power plant will be installed in the Xingu river. As consequence of the project, the “volta grande” will dry as the water will pass through a bypass. Thus, H. zebra is seriously threatened by extinction. Therefore we analyzed DNA-sequences from several genes of H. zebra and closely related species. We were able to gain sequences from 314 individuals of 10 forms of Hypancistrus known from the Xingu river, including a sample from the holotype of H. zebra. As already expected from hybridization experiments, all forms are very closely related. But our data revealed a stunning result: the DNA sequences from the holotype of H. zebra are clearly distinct from that of the individuals commonly identified as H. zebra (p = 0.0002). Actually, the holotype grouped with the individuals from a form known as Hypancistrus spec. L173. Our results will have deep impact on recent taxonomy and the revision of the genus in progress by scientists at INPA.
Keywords: Hypancistrus, Loricariidae, multiple gene analysis
Pdf here.
