Genetic diversity of an undescribed cryptic maskray (Neotrygon sp.) species from Fiji

Glaus, Kerstin and Loganimoce, Epeli M. and Mescam, Gauthier and Appleyard, Sharon A. (2024) Genetic diversity of an undescribed cryptic maskray (Neotrygon sp.) species from Fiji. Pacific Conservation Biology, 30 (2024). pp. 1-13. ISSN 1038-2097

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Abstract

The extinction risk of sharks and rays exceeds that of most other vertebrates. Genetic
analyses can help identify conservation risks. Aims. Identification of Fiji’s maskray and testing the
null hypothesis of no genetic differentiation within the species over time. Methods. Mitochondrial
DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcoding was used for species identification, and DArTseq technology to monitor the genetic diversity. Cohort samples were collected in 2015 and 2022. A
subset from each cohortwas barcoded. The genetic survey was complemented by a size comparison
between the two cohorts. Key results. Barcoding of the COI gene showed a maximum similarity of
97.84% to Kuhl’s maskray (Neotrygon kuhlii) and 96.83% to the Coral Sea maskray (Neotrygon
trigonoides), but no higher-level distinct species match to reference sequences in the Barcode
of Life Datasystem. Genotyping of 56 individuals in two cohorts yielded 21,293 single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs), and 3871 SNPs per individual were retained. The neutral genetic diversity
remained stable over time. The 2015 cohort showed positive inbreeding, with one full-sibling pair
identified in each cohort. Body size comparisons indicated a significant reduction in disc length and
width in the 2022 cohort. Conclusions. The smaller body size of the 2022 cohort may hint at increased
fishing pressure, but genetic diversity has not been affected. Thus, the null hypothesis is accepted.
Implications. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity of Fiji’s maskray and enable
a genetic comparison with current Neotrygon species known in the region. Taxonomy confirmation
is needed, but the presence of a cryptic or potentially new maskray in Fiji seems plausible

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	batoids, COI barcoding, Dasyatidae, elasmobranchs, morphology, Oceania, single nucleotide polymorphisms, taxonomy.
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GC Oceanography
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Nirma Narayan
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2025 03:40
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2025 03:40
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14759

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