DNA barcoding of the genus L epidion (Gadiformes: Moridae) with recognition of L epidion eques as a junior synonym of L epidion lepidion

• Published in: Molecular ecology resources 2013-03, Vol.13 (2), p.189-199
• Main Authors: Bañón, R., Arronte, J. C., Vázquez‐Dorado, S., Del Río, J. L., de Carlos, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1755-098X; 1755-0998
• DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12045

DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I gene ( COI ) from L epidion spp. were employed to test the efficiency of species identification. A sample of 32 individuals from five Lepidion species was sequenced and combined with 26 sequences from other BOLD projects. As a result, 58 L epidion DNA sequences of the COI gene belonging to eight of the nine recognized L epidion species were analysed. Sequences were aligned and formed seven clades in a Bayesian phylogenetic tree, where L epidion lepidion and L epidion eques grouped jointly. The Kimura 2‐parameter genetic distances, among congeners were, on average, 4.28%, 16 times greater than among conspecifics (0.27%). The main diagnostic meristic data of L epidion spp. were compiled and a detailed morphological revision of the congeneric species L . eques and L . lepidion was made. The eye diameter was significantly different between L . eques and L . lepidion ( P