Genetic variability and differentiation in Leuciscus (Telestes) souffia. Taxonomic and conservation inferences

Genetic variability of eight populations of Leuciscus (Telestes) souffia fr om France, Italy and Slovenia, and one of Leuciscus (Squalius) carolitertii from Spain was analysed using allozymic electrophoresis. For L. (Telestes) souffia the parameters of variability ranged from P = 18.2 to 48.5 % and H -O = 0.023 to 0.092, values included in the global averages found for fresh water fishes. The phylogenetic relationships among these populations lead u s to consider the souffia species belonging to the genus Telestes, and to s ubdivide it into two species: souffia (with at least two subspecies: souffi a in France and agassizi in Slovenia), and muticellus. The genetic structur e found within the French populations showed a certain differentiation betw een the Herault Basin and the Var/Argens populations, recommending the pres ervation of these entities that could represent different adapted genetic p ools. In the same way, the Italian region should be studied in detail, sinc e the populations analysed from Bevera and Staffora Rivers (T. muticellus) showed evidence of a break of genetic flow (including a diagnostic locus be tween them). ((C) Academie des sciences / Elsevier, Paris.).