Molecular insights into the taxonomic status of Coris atlantica (Pisces : Labridae)

A molecular genetic analysis of Coris julis from different sites in the Med iterranean and the Atlantic and C. atlantica from the Cabo Verde Islands wa s applied to infer phylogenetic relationships between the taxa. More precis ely, partial 12S mitochondrial rDNA sequence data were used in maximum pars imony, neighbour-joining, and maximum likelihood analysis to generate phylo genetic trees. The polymorphism observed indicated an important differentia tion between the C. atlantica and C. julis specimens and supported the exis tence of two different species.