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Genetic structure across the GBR: evidence from short-lived gobies

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Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) exhibits distinct cross-shelf zonation. These patterns are particularly well documented in reef fishes and have been attributed to either environmental gradients (e.g. wave energy, oceanography) or barriers to gene flow. This study examined the extent to which barriers to gene flow contribute to cross-shelf patterns by examining the mitochondrial DNA of gobies (genus Eviota). The genus Eviota was selected due to its extreme life history characteristics (shortest vertebrate lifespan) and cross-shelf distribution patterns (E. queenslandica, inner- and mid-shelf, and E. albolineata mid- and outer-shelf). Although cross-shelf barriers to gene flow were predicted, this study found no population structure between shelf locations. However, a genetically distinct population of E. queenslandica (the inner-shelf species) was observed at North Direction Island (Phist = 0.088, P = 0.004). As no comparable structure was observed in E. albolineata (the outer-shelf species) it may be that habitat type (E. queenslandica = reef lagoon, E. albolineata = reef crest) is a significant factor driving the structure observed in E. queenslandica. Larval behaviour, olfactory or auditory senses and reef selection at settlement could be assisting larvae to return to reefs similar to natal reefs. We suggest that ecological gradients are more important than barriers to gene flow in structuring cross-shelf distributions within Eviota.

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Acknowledgments

We thank A. Gonzalez-Cabello for help procuring specimens; A. Hoey, R. Bonaldo and A. Gonzalez-Cabello for field support; S. Wismer for assistance with figures; S. Klantan, A. McMahon and H. Robson for lab assistance; C. Thacker for primer sequences; and A. Hoey, S. Wismer, D. Blair, S. Robson, A. Krockenberger and two anonymous reviewers for valuable comments on earlier drafts. This work was supported by JCU and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (DRB).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Claire A. Farnsworth, David R. Bellwood & Lynne van Herwerden

  2. Molecular Evolution and Ecology Laboratory, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Claire A. Farnsworth & Lynne van Herwerden

  3. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    David R. Bellwood

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  1. Claire A. Farnsworth
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Correspondence to David R. Bellwood.

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Communicated by T. Reusch.

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Farnsworth, C.A., Bellwood, D.R. & van Herwerden, L. Genetic structure across the GBR: evidence from short-lived gobies. Mar Biol 157, 945–953 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-009-1375-y

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