Genetic differentiation of the Schizothorax species complex (Cyprinidae) in the Nujiang River (upper Salween)

Phenotypically diverse species from recently evolved groups always share allele/haplotype due to insufficient differentiation in the early process. In this study, we performed population genetics analyses using sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, and two nuclear genes to investigate the genetic differentiation of the closely related Schizothorax species complex, comprising a group of alpine fish living in the Nujiang River. The results from both mtDNA and nDNA markers revealed relatively low but pronounced genetic differentiation among the three Schizothorax species, i.e., Schizothorax gongshanensis, S. lissolabiatus, and S. nukiangensis. However, haplotype sharing was frequently occurred among the three species. Divergence time estimation suggested the last glaciation on the Tibetan Plateau (0.075–0.01 Ma) might drive the divergence of the species complex. Gene flow might contribute to the haplotype sharing between S. gongshanensis and S. lissolabiatus, and between S. gongshanensis and S. nukiangensis, whereas retention of ancestral polymorphisms seemed to be a better explanation of the haplotype sharing between S. lissolabiatus and S. nukiangensis. In addition, S. lissolabiatus populations should obtain more protection in the future because of their low genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation. In summary, our study assesses genetic differentiation among the three closely related Schizothorax species and explores the possible driving forces for their differentiation.