Mitochondrial Phylogeny of Trematomid Fishes (Nototheniidae, Perciformes) and the Evolution of Antarctic Fish

• Published in: Molecular phylogenetics and evolution Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 383 - 390
• Main Authors: Ritchie, Peter A., Bargelloni, Luca, Meyer, Axel, Taylor, John A., Macdonald, John A., Lambert, David M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.1996
• Subjects: Animals; Antarctic Regions; Base Sequence; Biological Evolution; DNA Primers; DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics; DNA, Ribosomal - genetics; Genetic Variation; Mitochondria, Liver - metabolism; Mitochondria, Muscle - metabolism; Molecular Sequence Data; Muscle, Skeletal - metabolism; Perciformes - classification; Perciformes - genetics; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Regression Analysis; RNA, Ribosomal - genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; Antarctic Regions
• ISSN: 1055-7903; 1095-9513
• DOI: 10.1006/mpev.1996.0033

The subfamily of fishes Trematominae is endemic to the subzero waters of Antarctica and is part of the larger notothenioid radiation. Partial mitochondrial sequences from the 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a phylogeny for 10 trematomid species are presented. As has been previously suggested, two taxa,Trematomus scottiandT. newnesi,do not appear to be part of the main trematomid radiation. The genusPagotheniais nested within the genusTrematomusand has evolved a unique cyropelagic existence, an association with pack ice. Using a mitochondrial rRNA molecular clock rate of 0.14% transversion changes per million years, the average age of the trematomids is estimated at 3.4 million years (MY). If the age of the tre- matomids is approximately 3.4 MY, this group could have speciated during a period of deglaciation in Antarctica 2.5–4.8 million years ago. This era was marked by significant changes on the Antarctic shores, such as the opening of fjords, which might have provided a stimulus for speciation.