Phylogeny and morphological delineation of leiognathids in the waters of Peninsular Malaysia

Taxonomic identification of leiognathids, which although are morphologically conservative fishes, is still problematic. In this study, a molecular phylogenetic approach was used together with morphological characterization to determine the taxonomy of leiognathids collected from Peninsular Malaysia waters. Phylogenetic relationships of 48 specimens from 18 morphospecies of leiognathids in this study together with 45 sequences from GenBank were inferred from 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene sequences. Neighbor-joining analysis showed that molecular phylogenetic positions of leiognathids were in congruence with morphological delineation at either genus- or species-level. The only exception at genus-level was the resurrection of Aurigequula from synonymy with Leiognathus. Members of both genera were recovered together as a monophyletic group in this study. At species-level, the exceptions were Eubleekeria jonesi and Photopectoralis bindus, both were morphologically identifiable. Molecular phylogenetics analysis placed E. splendens in the same group with E. jonesi while P. panayensis grouped together with P. bindus. A revision of the number of genera in the family Leiognathidae from Peninsular Malaysia is proposed from current 9 to 8, namely Gazza, Leiognathus, Secutor, Photopectoralis, Nuchequula, Eubleekeria, Equulites and Karalla. All genera of leiognathids in present study are monophyletic. Combination of these two approaches can resolve the taxonomic uncertainties of leiognathids.Proceedings of the Horiba International Conference "New Direction of Ocean Research in the Western Pacific" : Past, Present and Future of UNESCO/IOC/WESTPAC Activity for 50 years and the JSPS Project "Coastal Marine Science"Section I: Research Articles/Biodiversit