Invasion genetics of the mummichog ( Fundulus heteroclitus ): recent anthropogenic introduction in Iberia

PeerJ

article

Teófilo Morim¹  Grant R. Bigg²  Pedro M. Madeira¹  Jorge Palma¹  David D. Duvernell³  Enric Gisbert⁴  Regina L. Cunha¹  Rita Castilho¹ 

[1] Centre for Marine Sciences ,(CCMAR), University of Algarve;Department of Geography, University of Sheffield;Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology;IRTA, Aquaculture Program, Centre de Sant Carles de la Ràpita

关键词: Invasive species;    Introduction vector;    Cytochrome b;    Mitochondrial DNA;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.6155

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Human activities such as trade and transport have increased considerably in the last decades, greatly facilitating the introduction and spread of non-native species at a global level. In the Iberian Peninsula, Fundulus heteroclitus, a small euryhaline coastal fish with short dispersal, was found for the first time in the mid-1970s. Since then, F. heteroclitus has undergone range expansions, colonizing the southern region of Portugal, southwestern coast of Spain and the Ebro Delta in the Mediterranean Sea. Cytochrome b sequences were used to elucidate the species invasion pathway in Iberia. Three Iberian locations (Faro, Cádiz and Ebro Delta) and 13 other locations along the native range of F. heteroclitus in North America were sampled. Results revealed a single haplotype, common to all invasive populations, which can be traced to the northern region of the species’ native range. We posit that the origin of the founder individuals is between New York and Nova Scotia. Additionally, the lack of genetic structure within Iberia is consistent with a recent invasion scenario and a strong founder effect. We suggest the most probable introduction vector is associated with the aquarium trade. We further discuss the hypothesis of a second human-mediated introduction responsible for the establishment of individuals in the Ebro Delta supported by the absence of adequate muddy habitats linking Cádiz and the Ebro Delta. Although the species has a high tolerance to salinity and temperature, ecological niche modelling indicates that benthic habitat constraints prevent along-shore colonisation suggesting that such expansions would need to be aided by human release.

【 授权许可】

CC BY