Phylogeny and divergence time estimation of Coreoleuciscus splendidus populations (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) endemic to Korea based on complete mitogenome sequences

Abstract

We determined the complete mitogenome sequences for four Coreoleuciscus splendidus strains (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) inhabiting the Han and Geum river drainages in the West Korea Subdistrict, and the Seomjin and Nakdong river drainages in the South Korea Subdistrict in the Korean peninsula. The gene contents and arrangement of C. splendidus were homogeneous to those of typical vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis with the partitioned nucleotide matrix of concatenated mitochondrial genes revealed that C. splendidus formed a monophyletic group with gobionine species in the cyprinid lineage. The four river strains separated into two phylogenetically distinct groups, which were in accordance with the biogeographical distribution pattern in Korea according to subdistrict. The estimated divergence time among western and southern subdistrict populations was 37.9 +/- 6.5 million years ago (Mya), whereas those between the two river strains in each subdistrict were estimated to be 3.2-3.4 Mya. The presence of such distinct historical lineages has great implications for biogeography of ichthyofauna in Korea and future management and conservation plans of C. splendidus populations.