Amphidromous Fish Demographic Pattern

Over evolutionary time periods the amphidromous biota of fish have suffered consequences as well as breaks in connectivity. This migrating species of fish has been subject to vicariant events as well as dispersal events that have now shaped their current distribution and connectivity patterns. The amphidromous gobies of the Sicydiinae are the main topic of study for this article, as their distribution processes are still widely unknown. Whether this may be due to present day movement of their larval marine phase or past evolutionary vicariant events, their genetic makeup is used to theorize on their movement patterns. Our paper will take the specific direction of addressing the following hypotheses presented within this study; the demographic pattern of this species to help explain any vicariant events in their geographic ranges and whether the biogeographic barrier of the Torres Strait affected their dispersal. Both the overall topic of biogeography and subtopics of vicariance and dispersal relate directly to our lecture and video presented in class. The genetic structure of two amphidromous fish species, gobies of the Sicydiinae, were amplified and analyzed so that conclusions could be drawn. Evidence showed that the Sm. Fehlmanni haplotype showed no significant barrier in their gene exchange while the Si. Zosterophorum displayed significant differences in gene exchange that

Gobies of the Sicydiinae are a marine amphidromous species that are observed in populations in the Indian and Pacific oceans. They are found close to the shallow Sunda shelf that has constititued as a historic geographical barrier to dispersal. Sicydiinae are being are the subject of this study because of their similarity in PLD (pelagic larval durations) and over all biology. Both are located in the same geographic location and span the range associated with the Torres Strait. Their movement patterns and habits may be due to their DNA composition and genetic makeup. Yet, little is known...