Phylogenomics analysis and taxonomic review of the Neotropical genus Hoplerythrinus (Characiformes: Erythrinidae)

Abstract

Representatives of the Erythrinidae family are widely distributed in most of the drainages of Central and South America, and these species have great importance within commercial fisheries or local consumption in many regions. The family is composed of three genera (Erythrinus, Hoplerythrinus and Hoplias) including groups of species with wide distribution, each of which represent interesting models for evolutionary studies. The genus Hoplerythrinus has three valid species, including H. unitaeniatus described from the São Francisco River and that also occurs in most of the Cis-Andean drainages of South America. The species H. cinereus and H. gronovii are known only of the type material with incipient diagnoses. Additionally, the genus has revealed a great uniformity of meristic and morphometric data throughout its distribution area. There are currently no studies that use molecular markers or detailed reviews for the genus Hoplerythrinus, although cytogenetic studies have revealed a great karyotypic diversity, proposing H. unitaeniatus as a species complex. In this sense we are proposing the delimitation of lineages or species that exist within the group through an integrative analysis based on a detailed taxonomic revision and DNA barcode methodology. Likewise, we are proposing the construction of a robust phylogenetic hypothesis for the group, employing next-generation sequencing techniques using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs), whose use in phylogenetic systematics (phylogenomic) has shown promising results. Thus, the present study will be an important support for the comprehension of the factors that determine the biogeographic patterns and their relationships with the dispersion and diversification of the genus Hoplerythrinus. (AU)