Short CommunicationMolecular phylogeny of the western South Atlantic Sciaenidae based on mitochondrial and nuclear data

Fragments of mitochondrial (COI and rRNA 16S) and nuclear (Tmo-4C4) genes were sequenced to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships among 15 genera of the western South Atlantic Sciaenidae, two freshwater genera and the northwest Pacific Larimichthys crocea.Our results suggest a great diversification for the western Atlantic assemblage; the monophyly of Macrodon, Menticirrhus and Plagioscion genera; the distinctiveness of Bardiella, Stellifer and Ophioscion as belonging to the same clade; the possible existence of two distinct groups in Stellifer; the closer relationship between Lonchurus and Paralonchurus; the non-monophyly of Cynoscion; and the remarkable diversification of Larimus breviceps populations in the Brazilian coast. This is the most comprehensive study evaluating the phylogenetic relationships of the western Atlantic sciaenid and provides a guide for future studies within this family.

Highlights► We evaluated the relationships between the western South Atlantic Sciaenidae. ► We used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences of taxa. ► Our results suggest a great diversification for the western Atlantic assemblage. ► The genera Plagioscion, Macrodon and Menticirrhus are monophyletic. ► Taxonomic revision is suggested to Cynocion/Isopisthus, Stellifer/Bairdiella/Ophioscion, and Larimus.