Molecular data reveal a diverse Astyanax species complex in the upper Iguaçu River

Abstract

Astyanax is among the most speciose genera in the Characidae. In this study, molecular markers were used to assess the extent to which some of the commonly recognized Astyanax species of the upper Iguaçu River correspond to natural groups. These results indicate that the diversity of Astyanax has been severely underestimated with several potential cryptic species. © 2009 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.