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Molecular analysis reveals hidden diversity in Zungaro (Siluriformes: Pimelodidade): a genus of giant South American catfish

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Abstract

The genus Zungaro contains some of the largest catfish in South America. Two valid species are currently recognized: Zungaro jahu, inhabiting the Paraná and Paraguay basins, and Zungaro zungaro, occurring in the Amazonas and Orinoco basins. Analysing Zungaro specimens from the Amazonas, Orinoco, Paraguay and Paraná basins, based on the sequencing of COI and D-loop, we found at least three MOTUs, indicating the existence of hidden diversity within this fish group. Considering the ecological and economic values of this fish, our results are surely welcomed for its conservation, disclosing new findings on its diversity and pointing out the necessity for a detailed taxonomic revision.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank ICMBio/IBAMA and Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente do Mato Grosso (SEMA/MT) for the fish collection authorization (37922-1). We are also grateful to Christian Cramer, Carolina Doria, Emiko K. Resende, Débora K. S. Marques, Maurício Carrillo and Neusa Arenhart for the assistance in obtaining some tissue samples. AAP thanks CAPES for a fellowship. This work is due to SISBIOTA network—Top Predator supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, 563299/2010-0) and Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, 10/52315-7) and Rede BrBOL (CNPq, 563299/2010-0).

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Correspondence to Antonio A. Pires.

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Pires, A.A., Ramirez, J.L., Galetti, P.M. et al. Molecular analysis reveals hidden diversity in Zungaro (Siluriformes: Pimelodidade): a genus of giant South American catfish. Genetica 145, 335–340 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-017-9968-8

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