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Genetic data on endangered twaite shad (Clupeidae) assessed in landlocked and anadromous populations: one or more species?

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Abstract

Seven Italian populations of twaite shad Alosa fallax from Northern and Central Italy were investigated to assess genetic diversity by Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequencing. The two ecotypes historically referred to landlocked and anadromous populations were investigated for the first time from a genetic point of view, to clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, results obtained from populations coming from separated Adriatic and Tyrrhenian basins were compared with data assessed in samples of allis shad Alosa alosa from the Atlantic basin. All the Italian samples were recognized at species level as A. fallax, differing for five mutations from A. alosa. The analyses confirmed the occurrence of a single phylogenetic lineage and of a single species within Italian waters, in both landlocked and migratory populations. The minimum spanning network identified six haplotypes for A. fallax and two haplotypes for A. alosa. The neighbour-joining tree and the maximum likelihood on the Cytb gene sequences confirmed two distinct lineages for A. alosa and A. fallax, without evidence of a separation at specific level within the A. fallax group. A weak separation due to incipient population differentiation was detected between anadromous and landlocked Italian populations, supporting the idea of a recent separation. The molecular data herein collected do not support the existence of the already controversial incipient species Alosa agone. Despite this, the two ecotypes could be considered as different management units from a conservation viewpoint.

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Acknowledgments

All experimental procedures have been carried out in accordance to the Italian National Law on Animal Welfare. In particular, tissue sampling (small fin clip) has been collected during the narcosis status following electrofishing. Electrofishing activities have been authorized by local Authorities (Provinces and Regional Governments) and performed by patented technicians. No ethics approval number has been requested by the University of Parma, where the Research has been carried out. The authors would like to thank the Province of Grosseto, particularly Dr. Simona Piccini for supporting activities and project financing; Loris Ferrari for help with collecting samples from Como and Garda Lake and Taro River. Authors would also like to thank Dr. David Clavé from Association Migado Mairie, Rue Du Dr. Daude Lagrave 24520 Mouleydier (France) for A. alosa samples of Garonne River, and Dr. Immaculada Llorentz Gumbau for support in laboratory procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11a, 43124, Parma, Italy

    Stefania Chiesa, Laura Filonzi & Francesco Nonnis Marzano

  2. Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

    Stefania Chiesa

  3. Academic Spin Off Gen-Tech “Innovative Technologies for Animal Biology”, Parma, Italy

    Armando Piccinini

  4. Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Livia Lucentini

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  1. Stefania Chiesa
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  2. Armando Piccinini
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  3. Livia Lucentini
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  4. Laura Filonzi
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  5. Francesco Nonnis Marzano
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Correspondence to Francesco Nonnis Marzano.

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Chiesa, S., Piccinini, A., Lucentini, L. et al. Genetic data on endangered twaite shad (Clupeidae) assessed in landlocked and anadromous populations: one or more species?. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 24, 659–670 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-014-9352-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-014-9352-z

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