Molecular and morphological evidence reveals two lacustrine Giuris species (Eleotridae: Gobiiformes) in the northern arm of Sulawesi, with range extension of G. aporocephalus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/tz67kh18Keywords:
Wallacea, DNA barcoding, morphology, amphidromy, Tomini BayAbstract
Introduction: Gobies of the freshwater or amphidromous eleotrid genus Giuris (Sauvage 1880) are widespread in tropical rivers and lakes. Eight species are recognized to date through extensive taxonomic revision of the species complex G. margaritaceus and remain challenging to identify based solely on morphological characteristics. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the Giuris species occurring in three lakes along the northern arm of Sulawesi Island in the Wallacea bioregion (Limboto, Tondano and Bolano Sau) using an integrated molecular (DNA barcoding) and morphological approach. Methods: Giuris specimens were collected from the three lakes, and their morphological characters were recorded. Before voucher specimen preservation, fin clippings were preserved in 96 % ethanol for genetic analysis. DNA barcodes were produced through DNA extraction, PCR (primers Fish F1, Fish R1) and Sanger sequencing of Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I Mitochondrial DNA (COI mtDNA) nucleotide sequences. Results: The DNA barcodes (615 bp) nested in two clades: G. laglaizei (Bolano Sau Lake) and G. aporocephalus (all three lakes). Morphometric and meristic data were consonant with DNA barcode species assignments. Conclusions: Our study confirms that the fish known locally as payangka in Limboto and Tondano Lakes belong to G. aporocephalus, while those from Bolano Sau Lake correspond to G. aporocephalus and G. laglaizei. This study also expands the known range of G. aporocephalus, with five Giuris species now confirmed from Tomini Bay watersheds.
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