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Diversity
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Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes
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Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 29843

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Graham Wallis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Interests: biogeography; hybridisation; molecular evolution; phylogeography; speciation; systematics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“It was formerly believed that the same fresh-water species never existed on two continents distant from each other. But Dr. Günther has lately shown that the [sic] Galaxias attenuatus inhabits Tasmania, New Zealand, the Falkland Islands, and the mainland of South America. This is a wonderful case, and probably indicates dispersal from an Antarctic centre during a former warm period. This case, however, is rendered in some degree less surprising by the species of this genus having the power of crossing by some unknown means considerable spaces of open ocean”. (Darwin, 1872)

These prescient words by Darwin, nearly 150 years ago, thrust galaxiid fishes to centre-stage in the biogeographic debate. His insight reflects two special features of the group: their Gondwanan distribution and diadromous life history. Molecular phylogenetic approaches have started to resolve the interplay between these two attributes over the last 20 years. Having a reliable phylogeny for a group, and so defining their systematics, is crucial to understanding not only biogeographic history, but also morphological and life history evolution.

This Special Issue will cover all aspects of biogeography, phylogenetics, speciation and diversity in the group. We welcome substantive new empirical contributions, as well as overall reviews on any of these topics. This issue also serves as a memorial to Dr Robert (Bob) McDowall (1939–2011), in recognition of his contribution and leadership to research on all aspects of galaxiid biology.

Prof. Graham Wallis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Biogeography;
  • Biodiversity;
  • Evolution;
  • Galaxiidae;
  • Phylogenetics;
  • Phylogeography;
  • Speciation;
  • Systematics;

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 224 KiB  
Editorial
Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiiformes: Galaxiidae)
by Graham P. Wallis
Diversity 2021, 13(4), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13040153 - 31 Mar 2021
Viewed by 2321
Abstract
Since the dawn of the discipline, biogeographers have wondered at the widespread distribution of galaxiid fishes throughout temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)

Research

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18 pages, 1551 KiB  
Article
A Global Assessment of Parasite Diversity in Galaxiid Fishes
by Rachel A. Paterson, Gustavo P. Viozzi, Carlos A. Rauque, Verónica R. Flores and Robert Poulin
Diversity 2021, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13010027 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3494
Abstract
Free-living species often receive greater conservation attention than the parasites they support, with parasite conservation often being hindered by a lack of parasite biodiversity knowledge. This study aimed to determine the current state of knowledge regarding parasites of the Southern Hemisphere freshwater fish [...] Read more.
Free-living species often receive greater conservation attention than the parasites they support, with parasite conservation often being hindered by a lack of parasite biodiversity knowledge. This study aimed to determine the current state of knowledge regarding parasites of the Southern Hemisphere freshwater fish family Galaxiidae, in order to identify knowledge gaps to focus future research attention. Specifically, we assessed how galaxiid–parasite knowledge differs among geographic regions in relation to research effort (i.e., number of studies or fish individuals examined, extent of tissue examination, taxonomic resolution), in addition to ecological traits known to influence parasite richness. To date, ~50% of galaxiid species have been examined for parasites, though the majority of studies have focused on single parasite taxa rather than assessing the full diversity of macro- and microparasites. The highest number of parasites were observed from Argentinean galaxiids, and studies in all geographic regions were biased towards the highly abundant and most widely distributed galaxiid species, Galaxias maculatus. Parasite diversity generally increased with the number of studies and individual fish examined, however studies which examined parasites from all body tissues could overcome the effects of low study effort. In order to promote further understanding of galaxiid–parasite biodiversity, we provide a series of recommendations, including the use of molecular techniques to verify parasite identity, and highlight the future roles both fish biologists and parasitologists can play. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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19 pages, 844 KiB  
Article
Phenotypically Induced Intraspecific Variation in the Morphological Development of Wetland and Stream Galaxias gollumoides McDowall and Chadderton
by Nicholas R. Dunn, Leanne K. O’Brien and Gerard P. Closs
Diversity 2020, 12(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12060220 - 1 Jun 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2128
Abstract
The hypothesis that contrasting hydrology induces divergent intraspecific phenotypic plastic responses in non-migratory freshwater fish was investigated. Morphologies of wetland and stream Galaxias gollumoides from South Island, New Zealand, at different stages of ontogeny, were examined. Phenotypic responses were tested for in a [...] Read more.
The hypothesis that contrasting hydrology induces divergent intraspecific phenotypic plastic responses in non-migratory freshwater fish was investigated. Morphologies of wetland and stream Galaxias gollumoides from South Island, New Zealand, at different stages of ontogeny, were examined. Phenotypic responses were tested for in a 2 × 2 factorial laboratory based controlled reciprocal transplant experiment with flow (current or no current) and source habitat (wetland or stream), as treatments. There was a shift in the overall head morphology of wetland current treatment G. gollumoides away from the wetland no current treatment, and toward the stream current treatment, demonstrating convergence in head morphology in the presence of flow of wetland and stream sourced captive G. gollumoides. Morphologies of captive reared G. gollumoides were also compared to developmental trajectories of morphological characters during the ontogeny of field reared first year, and adult conspecifics. In combination, experimental and field results support the hypothesis, finding habitat hydrology to be the potential mechanism inducing and maintaining intraspecific morphological divergence in G. gollumoides. Recognition of this mechanism inducing morphological divergence between populations also aids the taxonomic description of long genetically recognised lineages of co-members of the Galaxias vulgaris species complex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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21 pages, 2806 KiB  
Article
Morphological Convergence and Divergence in Galaxias Fishes in Lentic and Lotic Habitats
by Nicholas R. Dunn, Leanne K. O’Brien, Christopher P. Burridge and Gerard P. Closs
Diversity 2020, 12(5), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12050183 - 8 May 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4367
Abstract
The influence of contrasting lentic and lotic hydrological environments on the morphology of members of the Galaxias vulgaris species complex was examined. Morphological variation between habitat types was investigated by comparison of populations of Galaxias brevipinnis (inferred ancestor), Galaxias gollumoides (roundhead morphotype) and [...] Read more.
The influence of contrasting lentic and lotic hydrological environments on the morphology of members of the Galaxias vulgaris species complex was examined. Morphological variation between habitat types was investigated by comparison of populations of Galaxias brevipinnis (inferred ancestor), Galaxias gollumoides (roundhead morphotype) and Galaxias vulgaris (flathead morphotype). Interspecific convergence and intraspecific divergence of morphological characters were demonstrated, representing general shifts in morphology towards a common functional form in particular hydrological environments. In all species, more lentic Galaxias had longer bodies; shorter, more stout caudal peduncles; longer, narrower pectoral fins; and longer, wider heads with larger mouths. In comparison, lotic Galaxias had relatively shorter bodies; more slender caudal peduncles; broader pectoral fins; and shorter flatter heads, with smaller mouths. This study suggests that the hydrological environment of a habitat is an important factor moulding and maintaining an individual fish’s morphology to a particular habitat type, most likely representing a phenotypic plastic response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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Review

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14 pages, 1545 KiB  
Review
Historical and Contemporary Diversity of Galaxiids in South America: Biogeographic and Phylogenetic Perspectives
by Iván Vera-Escalona, M. Lisette Delgado, Evelyn Habit and Daniel E. Ruzzante
Diversity 2020, 12(8), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12080304 - 5 Aug 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2801
Abstract
Galaxiid fishes from South America are represented by three genera (Aplochiton, Brachygalaxias and Galaxias) and eight species. Their genetic patterns have been studied over the last two decades to disentangle how historical and contemporary processes influenced their biogeographic distribution and phylogeographic [...] Read more.
Galaxiid fishes from South America are represented by three genera (Aplochiton, Brachygalaxias and Galaxias) and eight species. Their genetic patterns have been studied over the last two decades to disentangle how historical and contemporary processes influenced their biogeographic distribution and phylogeographic patterns. Here we review and synthesize this body of work. Phylogeographic approaches reveal the important role played by orogeny and the expansion/melting of glacial ice during the Quaternary. Populations retreated to glacial refugia during glacial times and some systems experienced drainage reversals from the Atlantic to the Pacific following deglaciation. Although most species expanded their populations and increased their genetic diversity during the Holocene, the introduction of salmonids and the construction of dams are likely to lead to a decline in genetic diversity for at least some species. An improvement in our understanding of the processes that influenced historical and contemporary diversity patterns among galaxiid and other native fishes in South America is necessary for addressing the cumulative and synergistic impacts of human activity on this unique freshwater fauna. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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16 pages, 3236 KiB  
Review
River Capture and Freshwater Biological Evolution: A Review of Galaxiid Fish Vicariance
by Jonathan M. Waters, Christopher P. Burridge and Dave Craw
Diversity 2020, 12(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12060216 - 29 May 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4619
Abstract
Geological processes can strongly affect the distribution and diversification of freshwater-limited species. In particular, a combination of geological and biological data has suggested that Earth history processes can drive vicariant isolation and speciation in non-migratory freshwater fishes. Here, we synthesise recently published geological [...] Read more.
Geological processes can strongly affect the distribution and diversification of freshwater-limited species. In particular, a combination of geological and biological data has suggested that Earth history processes can drive vicariant isolation and speciation in non-migratory freshwater fishes. Here, we synthesise recently published geological and freshwater phylogeographic data to illustrate that changes in river drainage geometry are important drivers of galaxiid diversification, both in New Zealand and elsewhere. Major river capture events have led to the isolation and divergence of unique and geographically-restricted lineages, including taxa that are now of prime conservation concern. The parallel phylogeographic effects of drainage shifts have been verified by observations of concordant patterns in co-distributed species. Broadly, this study highlights the dynamic interplay between physical and biological processes in geologically active settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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21 pages, 15364 KiB  
Review
A Review of Galaxias (Galaxiidae) Fossils from the Southern Hemisphere
by Uwe Kaulfuss, Daphne E. Lee, Jeffrey H. Robinson, Graham P. Wallis and Werner W. Schwarzhans
Diversity 2020, 12(5), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12050208 - 25 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5144
Abstract
The Galaxiidae is a Southern Hemisphere family of freshwater fish, considered to be of Gondwanan origin based on the current distribution of species in New Zealand, Australia (including Tasmania), New Caledonia, Africa, South America, and on some associated and subantarctic islands. The fossil [...] Read more.
The Galaxiidae is a Southern Hemisphere family of freshwater fish, considered to be of Gondwanan origin based on the current distribution of species in New Zealand, Australia (including Tasmania), New Caledonia, Africa, South America, and on some associated and subantarctic islands. The fossil record of galaxiids is extremely sparse and geographically restricted. The only galaxiid fossils currently known come from several Miocene lakes in southern New Zealand. They include more than 100 articulated fishes, some remarkably preserving soft parts such as eyes and skin, skulls and jaw components, and more than 200 isolated otoliths. Common coprolites and in situ preserved gut content at one site (Foulden Maar) indicate the different diets of larvae and adult fish. These discoveries reveal a diverse Galaxias fauna, the presence of lake-locked populations, ontogenetic diet shifts, and representatives of several non-migratory Galaxias lineages associated with inland streams and lakes. There are at least six Galaxias species based on macrofossils and six separate otolith-based species from varied volcanic and regional lacustrine environments. This diversity points to southern New Zealand as a centre of biodiversity and speciation in Galaxiidae in the early to late Miocene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1340 KiB  
Review
New Insights into the Distribution, Physiology and Life Histories of South American Galaxiid Fishes, and Potential Threats to This Unique Fauna
by Víctor Enrique Cussac, María Eugenia Barrantes, Claudia Clementina Boy, Konrad Górski, Evelyn Habit, María Eugenia Lattuca and Javier Hernán Rojo
Diversity 2020, 12(5), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12050178 - 4 May 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4171
Abstract
South American galaxiids occupy both Patagonia and the ichthyogeographic Chilean Province, encompassing glacial Andean deep lakes, shallow plateau lakes, reservoirs, short Pacific rivers and long Atlantic rivers. The total fish fauna includes 29 species, comprising Neotropical fishes (siluriforms and characids), galaxiids, percichthyids, atherinopsids [...] Read more.
South American galaxiids occupy both Patagonia and the ichthyogeographic Chilean Province, encompassing glacial Andean deep lakes, shallow plateau lakes, reservoirs, short Pacific rivers and long Atlantic rivers. The total fish fauna includes 29 species, comprising Neotropical fishes (siluriforms and characids), galaxiids, percichthyids, atherinopsids and mugilids, two lamprey species, and several exotic fishes (salmonids, Gambusia spp. and common carp). The family Galaxiidae shares a common ancestry with the Gondwanan temperate fish fauna, played a major role in the post-glacial colonization of Andean lakes and streams, and contributes key species to the food webs. Galaxiid species occupy an enormous latitudinal gradient, show a wide variety of life history patterns and are the southernmost native freshwater fishes of the world. Knowledge of South American galaxiids has improved notably, but new challenges arise due to climate change, biological invasions, damming, aquaculture and contamination. In this changing environment, the future of South American galaxiids should be carefully considered as a legacy of the old Gondwana and a unique attribute of the freshwaters of southern South America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Genetics and Biogeography of Galaxiid Fishes)
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