Allozymic variability and biogeographic relationships in two Leuciscus species complexes (Cyprinidae) from southern Europe, with the rehabilitation of the genus Telestes Bonaparte
V. Ketmaier et al., Allozymic variability and biogeographic relationships in two Leuciscus species complexes (Cyprinidae) from southern Europe, with the rehabilitation of the genus Telestes Bonaparte, ITAL J ZOOL, 65, 1998, pp. 41-48
Genetic variability was assessed in eight populations belonging to the Leuc
iscus souffia complex and in nine populations of Leuciscus cephalus, sample
d in France, Italy and Greece and in one population of Leuciscus lucumonis,
endemic to Italy. Twenty-six enzymatic loci were analysed in order to clar
ify the genetic relationships, the patterns of colonisation of peri-Mediter
ranean area and the taxonomic positions. Results indicate a more ancient pe
netration of the Leuciscus souffia complex in southern Europe (possibly dur
ing the,Messinian "Lago Mare" phase of the Mediterranean), whereas L. cepha
lus and L. lucumonis seem to have quite recently reached these regions (abo
ut 1Myr). These evidences are discussed in relation to the two main propose
d models of primary freshwater fishes colonisation of peri-Mediterranean ar
ea. In addition, the genetic distance suggests a generic separation between
the two complexes. The genus Telestes Bonaparte, is rehabilitated to inclu
de members of the Leuciscus souffia complex which is represented by endemic
taxa from southern France, Italy and western Balkans.