Geopolitical species revisited: genomic and morphological data indicate that the roundtail chubGila robustaspecies complex (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) is a single species

Abstract

TheGila robustaspecies complex in the Lower Colorado River Basin has a complicated taxonomic history. Recent authors have separated this group into three nominal taxa,G. robusta,G. intermedia, andG. nigra, however aside from location, no reliable method of distinguishing individuals of these species currently exists. To assess relationships within this group, we examined morphology of type specimens and fresh material, and used RADseq methods to assess phylogenetic relationship among these nominal species. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference tree building methods reveal high concordance between tree topologies based on the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets. Coalescent SNAPP analysis resolved a similar tree topology. Neither morphological nor molecular data reveal diagnostic differences between these species as currently defined. As such,G. intermediaandG. nigrashould be considered synonyms of the seniorG. robusta. We hypothesize that climate driven wet and dry cycles have led to periodic isolation of population subunits and subsequent local divergence followed by reestablished connectivity and mixing. Management plans should therefore focus on retaining genetic variability and viability of geographic populations to preserve adaptability to changing climate conditions.