Relaciones filogenéticas entre las especies del género Cynoscionicola (Monogenea: Microcotylidae)

Abstract

Phylogenetic analysis of seven nominal species of the genus Cynoscionicola Price 1962 based on 18 characteres and 31 character states, produced two equally parsimonious cladograms, with a consistency index of 0.85 and 35 steps. Different tree topologies depends on the position of the members that inhabit scianids in the Pacific Coast, with respect to the ones that inhabit Cynoscion in the Atlantic. Monophyly of Cynoscionicola is supported by three unambiguos synapomorphies: genital atrium formed by four atrial pouches, genital atrium presenting spines of different size and shape, and shape of spines in anterior chamber of atrial pouch. Using phylogenetic analysis as a template, we analyzed host relationships, and biogeographic distribution for members of Cynoscionicola, and we propose an origin for both, hosts and monogeans, in the Atlantic, with an early dispersal route along the Atlantic Coast, and a speciation event (vicariance) determined by the isolation of a population of Cynoscion when the Ithsmus of Panama arose in the Pliocen, combined with a host switching event to other members of the Scianidae.