Genetic Structure of an East Asian Minnow (Toxabramis houdemeri) in Southern China, with Implications for Conservation

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study presents the first comprehensive view of the genetic structure of a widespread cyprinid, Toxabramis houdemeri, based on large-scale geographic sampling and mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Genetic endemism with clear geographic boundaries was formed in T. houdemeri populations due to river landscape changes, biogeographic barriers, and the species’ dispersal potential. Late Pleistocene demographic expansion had occurred in T. houdemeri populations. This study could help improve the monitoring and protection of this species. ABSTRACT: River dynamics have been hypothesized to substantially influence the genetic structure of freshwater fish taxa. Southern China harbors abundant independent river systems, which have undergone historical rearrangements. This river system is thus an excellent model with which to test the abovementioned hypothesis. In this study, a cyprinid widespread in many independent rivers in southern China, Toxabramis houdemeri, was chosen as an exemplar species with which to explore the effects of river configuration changes on spatial genetic structure using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The results indicated that the T. houdemeri populations fell into four mitochondrial haplotype groups, each genetically endemic to a single river or two adjacent river systems. The mitochondrial haplotype network recovered a clear genetic boundary between Hainan Island populations and mainland populations. Notable genetic differentiation was observed within populations from distinct river systems in both mitochondrial and nuclear loci. River system separation, mountain barriers, and mobility were the key factors shaping the genetic structure of T. houdemeri populations. Late Pleistocene divergence and historical immigration were identified within the four mitochondrial haplotype groups, indicating that river rearrangements triggered by the Late Pleistocene glacial cycles were important drivers of the complex genetic structure and demographic history of T. houdemeri. Historical demographics suggested that T. houdemeri populations expanded during the Late Pleistocene. The present study has important consequences for the management and conservation of T. houdemeri.