Phylogeography of Neomysis americana (Crustacea, Mysida), focusing on the St. Lawrence system

Species characterized by low dispersal capacities, such as mysids, usually show evidence of genetic differentiation. Many mysids are broadly distributed and often show eurythermal and euryhaline traits. This study aimed to describe intraspecific genetic structure and the phylogeography of Neomysis americana, a key species of estuarine food webs in northwest Atlantic, using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. We sampled 26 populations across the St. Lawrence system (SLS) and two along the east coast of North America [Penobscot and Chesapeake Bay (CB)]. Sequencing of 420 individuals revealed three divergent (>3%) lineages (LA, LB, LC) across the sampling area suggesting that N. americana represents a cryptic species complex. The distribution of the lineages was geographically structured. LC occurred in the CB only, whereas LA and LB co-occurred along the SLS and Penobscot Bay. This suggests secondary contact after the last glacial maximum. In the SLS the lineage LA dominated the estuarine transition zone and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, whereas the lineage LB was prevalent in the lower St. Lawrence Estuary, potentially due to different eco-physiological preferences. These results might help to define reasonable entities for research and management.