Phylogenetic relationships among genera and families of Siluriformes using ultraconserved elements

Abstract

Ostariophysi is one of the largest fish superorders, formed almost exclusively by freshwater species, with about 95 families, about 1,500 genera and 11,000 species, thus containing approximately 30% of the known fish species in the world and almost 70 % of freshwater species. Ostariophysi are present all over the world, except in Antarctica, where only fossils are known. Despite the great richness of species and, therefore, their great scientific and economic importance, there are still many problems in identifying species and in understanding the relationships between the internal groups of the superorder (and consequently in their classification), as well as doubts in their processes of diversification and historical biogeography, which need to be addressed with modern and resolute methodologies. The phylogenetic relationships of Siluriformes families and genera, which account for about 40% of all Ostariophysi, are still poorly known. Considering that there are many issues still to be resolved in Siluriformes and within Ostariophysi, the three main objectives of this project are: (1) to identify, from a molecular point of view, all taxons to be studied in Siluriformes through the DNA barcode approach; (2) test the monophyly of Siluriformes and its position in Ostariophysi; and (3) establish the phylogenetic relationships between the families that make up the Siluriformes order and between their respective genera based on phylogenomic analyzes using sequences of ultra-conserved elements. To address the issue of molecular identification of all specimens to be analyzed, we are proposing the complete sequencing of their mitochondrial DNAs, which will allow the creation of a large database, which can be used in the future in many DNA barcode projects (identification molecular), projects with ecological objectives (environmental DNA), regulation and control of species (forensic DNA) and for the elaboration of mitochondrial phylogenies. To address questions about the relationships between groups (phylogenies) and their processes of diversification (macroevolution) and historical biogeography, markers called ultraconserved elements (UCEs) will be used. (AU)