Genetic variability, shell and sperm morphology suggest that the surf clams Donax marincovichi and D. obesulus are one species.

Carstensen, Daniel, Laudien, J., Leese, F., Arntz, W. and Held, C. (2009) Genetic variability, shell and sperm morphology suggest that the surf clams Donax marincovichi and D. obesulus are one species. Journal of Molluscan Studies, 75 (4). pp. 381-390. DOI 10.1093/mollus/eyp036.

[thumbnail of Carstensen.pdf] Text
Carstensen.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (475kB)
[thumbnail of Excel file] Other (Excel file)
Carstensen_supp_table.xls - Supplemental Material
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (32kB)

Supplementary data:

Abstract

The taxonomy of two sympatric surf clams Donax marincovichi Coan, 1983 and Donax obesulus Reeve, 1854, inhabiting the coastal Humboldt Current Upwelling System is revisited. Because both species are exploited by artisanal fisheries, it is essential to verify that they are indeed distinct species that have to be managed separately. In this study, both taxa were sampled across their shared distributional area and specimens were indentified according to their respective morphological characteristics. Although width/height and height/length ratios revealed significant differences within sampling areas, the two morphotypes were frequently incongruent for taxonomically important morphometric parameters. In addition, they showed no significant mitochondrial genetic differentiation within or among populations and exhibited indistinguishable sperm ultrastructure. We conclude that the two morphotypes do not represent distinct species and should be included together under D. obesulus.

Document Type: Article
Keywords: Humboldt Current; Donax marincovichi Coan, 1983; Donax obesulus Reeve, 1854,
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date Deposited: 16 Jan 2012 12:23
Last Modified: 08 Aug 2019 13:07
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/13514

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item