A cryptic multi-species complex in Caribbean bonefishes (genus Albula): Implications for research and management

Bonefishes (genus Albula) are the subjects of a targeted sport fishery in the Caribbean, which is economically valuable in areas such as the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Belize. Bonefishes have a complex taxonomic history: twenty three historical described species were later synonymized into one (Albula vulpes) due to the absence of distinguishing characters.  Recent molecular studies have confirmed the existence of morphologically cryptic species.  Four species are now known from the Caribbean: A. vulpes, A. sp. B, A. nemoptera, and A. sp. cf. vulpes.  Of these, three are morphologically cryptic.  This study investigated phylogeography, and genetic population structure within the Caribbean.  Microsatellite data was used to identify hybridization rates among Caribbean species.  Sequence data was also used to determine phylogenetic placement of Caribbean bonefishes among other Albulids.  Regional sampling revealed overlapping distributions at some life stages.  16S rRNA sequences revealed well defined, deep separations among the Caribbean bonefishes. A 3.0% sequence divergence separated A. vulpes and A. sp. B., a 4.9% divergence separated A. vulpes and A. sp. cf. vulpes, and a 5.2% divergence between A. sp. B and A. sp. cf. vulpes.  Genotypes for 16 polymorphic loci revealed low levels of hybridization among some Caribbean bonefishes.