Comment are off
Multi-locus sequence data reveal a new species of coral reef goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota), and evidence of Pliocene vicariance across the Coral Triangle
Here, multi-locus sequence data are coupled with observations of live colouration to recognize a new
species, Eviota punyit from the Coral Triangle, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Relaxed molecular clock
divergence time estimation indicates a Pliocene origin for the new species, and the current distribution
of the new species and its sister species Eviota sebreei supports a scenario of vicariance across the
Indo-Pacific Barrier, followed by subsequent range expansion and overlap in the Coral Triangle. These
results are consistent with the ‘centre of overlap’ hypothesis, which states that the increased diversity
in the Coral Triangle is due in part to the overlapping ranges of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean faunas.
These findings are discussed in the context of other geminate pairs of coral reef fishes separated by the
Indo-Pacific Barrier.
species, Eviota punyit from the Coral Triangle, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Relaxed molecular clock
divergence time estimation indicates a Pliocene origin for the new species, and the current distribution
of the new species and its sister species Eviota sebreei supports a scenario of vicariance across the
Indo-Pacific Barrier, followed by subsequent range expansion and overlap in the Coral Triangle. These
results are consistent with the ‘centre of overlap’ hypothesis, which states that the increased diversity
in the Coral Triangle is due in part to the overlapping ranges of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean faunas.
These findings are discussed in the context of other geminate pairs of coral reef fishes separated by the
Indo-Pacific Barrier.
