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Population genetics of pike, genus Esox (Actinopterygii, Esocidae), in Northern Italy: evidence for mosaic distribution of native, exotic and introgressed populations

Authors :
Matteo Girardi
B. Crestanello
Livia Lucentini
Andrea Gandolfi
Claudio Ferrari
Andreas Meraner
Source :
Hydrobiologia. 794:73-92
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2017.

Abstract

Esox flaviae represents the native esocid species of the Italian peninsula at present potentially highly threatened by the diffusion of exotic E. lucius. Here, we present a novel mtDNA (N = 272) and microsatellite (N = 275) dataset including 13 test and 3 reference samples, aimed to delineate the distribution of the native as well as the exotic species and to unravel potential introgressive hybridisation between the two species in Northern Italy. We highlight a complex mosaic distribution of both species, with contrasting occurrence even between neighbouring sites. Significant genetic substructure is still observed within E. flaviae, while the dispersal of the invader seems to be promoted by restocking actions. In addition, we prove the existence of introgressive hybridisation between native and exotic pikes. Here, gender-biased hybridisation is suggested, with native E. flaviae constituting the predominant ‘mother species’ in the hybridisation process. Finally, we underline the need for a revision of fisheries management regulations, for which a nation-wide and exhaustive genetic screening in the near future should build the scientific basis.

Details

ISSN :
15735117 and 00188158
Volume :
794
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Hydrobiologia
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....ffa44a2c9db0fbb67fcac7ce6f48ffb0
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-3083-1