New Horaglanis

[Silurus]

Raghavan R, RL Sundar, CP Arjun, R Britz & N Dahanukar, 2023, Evolution in the dark: unexpected genetic diversity and morphological stasis in the blind, aquifer-dwelling catfish Horaglanis. Vertebrate Zoology 73: 57-74.

Abstract

The lateritic aquifers of the southern Indian state of Kerala harbour a unique assemblage of enigmatic stygobitic fishes which are encountered very rarely, only when they surface during the digging and cleaning of homestead wells. Here, we focus on one of the most unusual members of this group, the catfish Horaglanis, a genus of rarely-collected, tiny, blind, pigment less, and strictly aquifer-residing species. A six-year exploratory and citizen-science backed survey supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals novel insights into the diversity, distribution and population structure of Horaglanis. The genus is characterized by high levels of intraspecific and interspecific genetic divergence, with phylogenetically distinct species recovered above a 7.0% genetic-distance threshold in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. Contrasting with this deep genetic divergence, however, is a remarkable stasis in external morphology. We identify and describe a new cryptic species,

Horaglanis populi

, a lineage that is the sister group of all currently known species. All four species are represented by multiple haplotypes. Mismatch distribution reveals that populations have not experienced recent expansions.

[bekateen]

This paper is now also available here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ne ... oraglanis/

A link to the pdf is available on that page.

[Silurus]

This paper is now also available here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ne ... oraglanis/

A link to the pdf is available on that page.

What’s the point of this post? VZ is open access, and not everyone here has an RG account (you need one to download any papers available for download there).

[bekateen]

I didn't know VZ was open access

[Silurus]

You would if you had bothered to click the link in the first post.

[bekateen]

You would if you had bothered to click the link in the first post.

I had, but it was a while back and I may have been distracted. Accidents happen. I'll try to be better about checking.

Cheers,
Eric