@article {5343, title = {Genetic and morphological discrimination of three species of ninespined stickleback Pungitius spp. (Teleostei, Gasterosteidae) in France with the revalidation of Pungitius vulgaris (Mauduyt, 1848)}, journal = {J Zool Syst Evol Res }, volume = {2017}, year = {2018}, pages = {1{\textendash}25}, abstract = {

The taxonomy of French ninespined sticklebacks (Pungitius spp.) has long been controversial. To clarify the taxonomy in this group, we use mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear\  (RNF213) sequence markers, as well as morphological data. In France, both genetic markers discriminate three evolutionary lineages. Morphological analysis on fresh and type specimens supports the different lineages and the existence of three species in France. Pungitius pungitius, occurring in the North of France and Rhone basin, is characterized by specimens longer than 35 mm SL, by a flat head with a straight or slightly concave snout, typically 9{\textendash}10 dorsal spines, 10{\textendash}11 dorsal soft rays, 9{\textendash}10 anal soft rays, 0{\textendash}12 scutes on the caudal peduncle with a keel reaching the last anal-fin ray, longer pelvic fin, post-dorsal and caudal peduncle lengths, and a slim caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle depth/ length 11.8\%{\textendash}21.9\%). Pungitius laevis, occurring in France, in the English Channel basins and Loire drainage, differs from the other species by a head rounded with concave snout in specimens longer than 35 mm SL, accentuating the impression of fleshy lips, 0{\textendash}4 scutes on the caudal peduncle and a higher caudal peduncle depth/length ratio (15.7\%{\textendash} 34.5\%). Finally, Pungitius vulgaris, endemic to the Vienne River and rivers of south-western France as far north as the Garonne estuary, is differentiated by a rounded head with a straight or slightly convex snout, the absence of scutes on the caudal peduncle and by having 11 pectoral-fin rays. Our data confirm the existence of a hybridization zone in the North of France between P. pungitius and P. laevis. As a result, Pungitius lotharingus is invalid, as it was described based on hybrid specimens. A lectotype for P. laevis was designated because the syntypes included hybrids. This revision provides new perspectives for evolutionary biology studies and will have consequences for Pungitius conservation in France.

}, keywords = {France, Integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA COI, Pungitius, RNF213}, author = {Denys, Ga{\"e}l and Persat, Henri and Dettai, Agn{\`e}s and Geiger Mathias and Freyhof, J and Fesquet, J and Philippe Keith} } @article {3131, title = {Morphological and molecular evidence of three species of pikes Esox spp. (Actinopterygii, Esocidae) in France, including the description of a new species}, journal = {Comptes Rendus Biologies}, volume = {337}, year = {2014}, pages = {521-534}, abstract = {

This integrative taxonomy study of French pikes compares morphological characters and molecular sequence data (mitochondrial COI and nuclear Plagl2 genes). In addition to the expected E.\ lucius, DNA sequences and morphology both support a new species in France, E.\ aquitanicus sp. nov. from the Charente to the Adour drainages. It is characterized by a color pattern of sides with narrow 1{\textendash}1.5-scale-wide oblique vertical bands, conferring it a marbled coat, a snout only 0.9 times larger than the postorbital length, an anal fin basis 1.1{\textendash}1.2 times larger than the caudal peduncle length, 101 to 121 lateral scales, 53 to 57 vertebrae, as well as 24 diagnostic sites in the COI gene and 3 in the Plagl2 gene. Partial COI sequences (131bp) from modern and historical specimens indicate also the presence of E.\ cisalpinus and E.\ lucius during the 19th century in Lake Geneva. Morphological and molecular data points to a possible hybridization between E.\ lucius with both other local pike species, representing a risk for them. Their endangerment status should be evaluated rapidly in order to take conservation measures.

}, keywords = {Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Esox aquitanicus, Esox cisalpinus, France, Integrative taxonomy, New species, Pleiomorphic adenoma gene-like 2}, issn = {16310691}, doi = {10.1016/j.crvi.2014.07.002}, author = {Denys, Ga{\"e}l and Dettai, Agn{\`e}s and Persat, Henri and M{\'e}lyne Hautecoeur and Philippe Keith} }