First live records of the ruby seadragon (Phyllopteryx dewysea, Syngnathidae)

Rouse, Greg W.; Stiller, Josefin; Wilson, Nerida G.

doi:10.1186/s41200-016-0102-x

Cited by 2 publications

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“…Their distinct characteristics include a fused elongate jaw, bony plates covering their body like armour, and the absence of pelvic fins [17]. There are only three seadragon species: the highly camouflaged leafy seadragon Phycodurus eques, the weedy seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (also known as the common seadragon), and the recently discovered ruby seadragon Phyllopteryx dewysea [17,[19][20][21]. All three are endemic to temperate reefs in southern Australia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic and morphological evidence of distinct populations in the endemic common (weedy) seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Syngnathidae) along the east coast of Australia

et al. 2020

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The common or weedy seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus, is an iconic and endemic fish found across temperate reefs of southern Australia. Despite its charismatic nature, few studies have been published, and the extent of population sub-structuring remains poorly resolved. Here we used 7462 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify the extent of population structure in the weedy seadragon along the temperate southeast coast of Australia. We identified four populations, with strong genetic structure (FST = 0.562) between them. Both Discriminant Analysis of Principle Components (DAPC) and Bayesian clustering analyses support four distinct genetic clusters (north to south: central New South Wales, southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania). In addition to these genetic differences, geographical variation in external morphology was recorded, with individuals from New South Wales shaped differently for a few measurements to those from the Mornington Peninsula (Victoria). We posit that these genetic and morphological differences suggest that the Victorian population of P. taeniolatus was historically isolated by the Bassian Isthmus during the last glacial maximum and should now be considered at least a distinct population. We also recorded high levels of genetic structure among the other locations. Based on the genomic and to a degree morphological evidence presented in this study, we recommend that the Victorian population be managed separately from the eastern populations (New South Wales and Tasmania).

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic and morphological evidence of distinct populations in the endemic common (weedy) seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Syngnathidae) along the east coast of Australia

et al. 2020

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Phylogenomic analysis of Syngnathidae reveals novel relationships, origins of endemic diversity and variable diversification rates

et al. 2022

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Background Seahorses, seadragons, pygmy pipehorses, and pipefishes (Syngnathidae, Syngnathiformes) are among the most recognizable groups of fishes because of their derived morphology, unusual life history, and worldwide distribution. Despite previous phylogenetic studies and recent new species descriptions of syngnathids, the evolutionary relationships among several major groups within this family remain unresolved. Results Here, we provide a reconstruction of syngnathid phylogeny based on genome-wide sampling of 1314 ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and expanded taxon sampling to assess the current taxonomy and as a basis for macroevolutionary insights. We sequenced a total of 244 new specimens across 117 species and combined with published UCE data for a total of 183 species of Syngnathidae, about 62% of the described species diversity, to compile the most data-rich phylogeny to date. We estimated divergence times using 14 syngnathiform fossils, including nine fossils with newly proposed phylogenetic affinities, to better characterize current and historical biogeographical patterns, and to reconstruct diversification through time. We present a phylogenetic hypothesis that is well-supported and provides several notable insights into syngnathid evolution. We found nine non-monophyletic genera, evidence for seven cryptic species, five potentially invalid synonyms, and identified a novel sister group to the seahorses, the Indo-Pacific pipefishes Halicampus macrorhynchus and H. punctatus. In addition, the morphologically distinct southwest Pacific seahorse Hippocampus jugumus was recovered as the sister to all other non-pygmy seahorses. As found in many other groups, a high proportion of syngnathid lineages appear to have originated in the Central Indo-Pacific and subsequently dispersed to adjoining regions. Conversely, we also found an unusually high subsequent return of lineages from southern Australasia to the Central Indo-Pacific. Diversification rates rose abruptly during the Middle Miocene Climate Transition and peaked after the closure of the Tethys Sea. Conclusions Our results reveal a previously underappreciated diversity of syngnathid lineages. The observed biogeographic patterns suggest a significant role of the southern Australasian region as a source and sink of lineages. Shifts in diversification rates imply possible links to declining global temperatures, the separation of the Atlantic and Pacific faunas, and the environmental changes associated with these events.

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First live records of the ruby seadragon (Phyllopteryx dewysea, Syngnathidae)

Cited by 2 publications

References 10 publications

Genomic and morphological evidence of distinct populations in the endemic common (weedy) seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Syngnathidae) along the east coast of Australia

Genomic and morphological evidence of distinct populations in the endemic common (weedy) seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Syngnathidae) along the east coast of Australia

Phylogenomic analysis of Syngnathidae reveals novel relationships, origins of endemic diversity and variable diversification rates

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