Hidden Diversity in Eigenmannia (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) Populations from Upper Paraná and Paraguay Rivers

Eigenmannia is a highly diverse genus within the Sternopygidae family, comprising 30 species. Due to its complex taxonomy, molecular analyses have been crucial for species delimitation within this group. Therefore, the present study presents a genetic analysis using sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) in specimens previously identified through alpha taxonomy as E. correntes (with unpublished data), E. virescens, and E. trilineata, originating from various locations within the Upper Paraná and Paraguay River basins in Brazil. The molecular data confirm the taxonomic complexity of the genus, as individuals morphologically identified as E. virescens and E. trilineata shared the same haplotype (H52). Furthermore, the results of the species delimitation tests suggest that specimens morphologically identified as E. virescens belong to the species E. trilineata. In addition, samples morphologically identified as E. correntes may correspond to more than one Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Furthermore, the intraspecific Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distances within the different studied populations are significant. This study has contributed valuable information about genetic diversity in Eigenmannia, emphasizing the importance of using integrative analyses to resolve taxonomic conflicts within the group. It also supports biogeographical studies and assists in biodiversity conservation efforts.