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Cryptic hybridization and introgression between invasive C yprinid species C yprinus carpio and C arassius auratus in A ustralia: implications for invasive species management
Author(s) -
Haynes G. D.,
Gongora J.,
Gilligan D. M.,
Grewe P.,
Moran C.,
Nicholas F. W.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
animal conservation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.111
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1469-1795
pISSN - 1367-9430
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2011.00490.x
Subject(s) - biology , introgression , hybrid , microsatellite , carp , gene flow , genetics , common carp , cyprinidae , allele , zoology , gene , cyprinus , genetic variation , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , botany
Interspecies hybridization is of concern for the management of invasive species, as it can allow the exchange of advantageous alleles between introduced species and undermine control efforts. In this study, hybridization between populations of introduced common carp and goldfish in A ustralia is investigated. Common carp and goldfish were sampled extensively from the M urray‐ D arling B asin, the largest river basin in A ustralia. Fish identified in the field as hybrids, on the basis of having truncated or missing pairs of barbels around their mouths, were also sampled. All fish were genotyped for five microsatellite loci that could be amplified through polymerase chain reaction in both species, and the mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced in the field‐identified hybrids and a subset of the goldfish and common carp. Bayesian clustering analyses, factorial correspondence analysis and direct inspection of the microsatellite profiles confirmed that all fish identified as hybrids in the field had ancestry from both species. A number of cryptic hybrids were also identified. While most hybrids were inferred to be F 1‐generation, some F 2‐generation and backcrossed individuals were detected, indicating that gene flow is ongoing between carp and goldfish in A ustralia. Gene flow was biased in favor of male carp mating with female goldfish, as 19 of the 20 F 1‐generation hybrids had goldfish maternal ancestry. This ongoing gene flow could allow advantageous alleles (e.g. resistance to koi herpes virus) to move between species. This study illustrates that invasive species control programs should not only target the species considered most destructive, but should also consider the risks posed by introgression with related species.