Genetic Diversity of Mudskipper Species Revealed Through Phylogenetic Analysis

Strategic Insights -

A recent study has shed new light on the genetic diversity of mudskipper species, specifically focusing on the genus Periophthalmus. Research conducted by University Gadjah Mada in Indonesia has investigated the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity among three species of mudskippers: P. kalolo, P. argentilineatus, and P. novemradiatus. The study utilized the 16S rRNA gene as a marker and revealed three monophyletic clades corresponding to each species, with genetic divergences ranging from 3.66 to 5.40%. Notably, P. argentilineatus displayed a relatively high intraspecific divergence of 0.21-2.26%, suggesting the potential identification of cryptic species within this lineage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The genus Periophthalmus comprises 20 verified species globally, with 11 originating from Indonesia.
  • Among these species, P. kalolo and P. argentilineatus are prevalent across seven major islands, while P. novemradiatus is less documented with limited distribution records.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed three monophyletic clades corresponding to each species, with genetic divergences ranging from 3.66 to 5.40%.
  • P. argentilineatus displayed a relatively high intraspecific divergence of 0.21-2.26%, suggesting the potential identification of cryptic species within this lineage.
  • A unique marker at position 172 was identified and could serve as a genetic identifier for distinguishing these species.
  • The study suggests that the 16S rRNA gene has potential as an alternative marker for species identification, complementing or even serving as an alternative to the commonly used COI gene.

Statistics:

  • 47 variable sites were identified within the 552-bp 16S rRNA sequence, including four singleton sites and 43 parsimony-informative sites.
  • Genetic divergences among the three species ranged from 3.66 to 5.40%.
  • P. argentilineatus displayed a relatively high intraspecific divergence of 0.21-2.26%.
  • A unique marker at position 172 was identified and has the potential to serve as a genetic identifier for distinguishing these species.

Sources:

  • Hayati Journal of Biosciences, "Genetic Diversity of Mudskipper Species (Periophthalmus spp.) from the Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia, Based on the Mitochondrial 16S Gene" (Hayati Journal of Biosciences - http://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/hayati)
  • NewsRx, "Report Summarizes Bioscience Study Findings from University Gadjah Mada [Genetic Diversity of Mudskipper Species (Periophthalmus spp.) from the Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia, Based on the Mitochondrial 16S Gene]" (Life Science Weekly, July 1, 2025; p 2686)