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Trichogenes longipinnisBritski & Ortega is a narrowly distributed endemic and phenotypically variable catfish from the coastal basins of the Serra do Mar range in southeast Brazil. We examined patterns of mtDNA variation of this species in coastal basins of the Serra do Mar to determine the influences of past climatic and geomorphological processes in connection with the currently isolated basins. Allozyme data were also used to test the hypothesis that the different spotting patterns in the different areas could be the result of cryptic speciation. Regardless of body pigmentation,T. longipinnisspecimens from across the basins were found to belong to a single species, but the populations were structured in accordance with the current hydrological watersheds, in four management units across the three distinct basins of its geographic distribution. Thus, the current genetic distribution may be best explained by both marine regressions and orogeny. Based on the low levels of genetic variation and high population structure observed, we suggest thatT. longipinnisshould be classified as “vulnerable” in the Brazilian red list of threatened fauna. Furthermore, we propose that the headwaters of the Parati-Mirim River basin should be incorporated as an extension of the Bocaina National Park to protect its genetically differentiated lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Fishing has a major impact on the biodiversity of elasmobranchs, a diverse and ancient group of fish. The illegal trade of products derived from endangered species is widespread and many times concealed by both deliberate and inadvertent mislabeling. In groups where data is sparse, such as guitarfishes, it is unknown which species are at a higher risk of extinction due to illegal trade. Brazil is currently one of the world's largest market for elasmobranch products, but it is uncertain whether the current regulatory measures are effective across all commercial sectors. Here, we applied molecular phylogenetics to identify the species sold as elasmobranchs in Rio de Janeiro. Products labeled as "shark", "ray" and "guitarfish" were sampled from fishmongers, supermarkets, restaurants and street markets (n = 221). Over 60% of the samples were derived from threatened species, reaching 90% in guitarfish and 100% in ray products. The endemic and critically endangered Pseudobatos horkelii was the only authentic guitarfish among all samples labeled as such (n = 75), all others were identified as threatened/endemic rays (Atlantoraja castelnaui , A. cyclophora) or sharks (Squatina guggenheim , S. occulta). S. guggenheim was also detected among the products labeled as "sharks" (n = 113), as were five other endangered shark species: Carcharhinus falciformis , C. signatus , Isurus oxyrhinchus , Sphyrna zygaena and S. lewini. While no mislabeling was observed in supermarkets, the prevalence was high in local trade, indicating that regulatory and awareness-raising measures must be adapted to this economically and socially important sector. [Display omitted] • Among all samples, 36% were mislabeled and 63% derived from endangered species. • Most of the endangered species we detected are endemic to Southwest Atlantic. • No guitarfish samples complied with legislation and 90% were from endangered species. • It is paramount to better regulate the local fresh-fish trade in Rio de Janeiro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]