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- Title
Cryptic diversification, phenotypic plasticity, and host specialization in a sponge-dwelling goby.
- Authors
Wang, Ariel; Yerrace, Sarah; Tornabene, Luke; Brandl, Simon J.; Freeman, Christopher J.; Baldwin, Carole C.; Casey, Jordan M.
- Abstract
Coral reefs harbor 30% of oceanic biodiversity, but many species remain undiscovered. Indeed, coral reef taxonomic inventories are heavily skewed toward large, conspicuous organisms, leaving numerous smaller, cryptic species undescribed. Cryptobenthic reef fishes, such as gobies, can speciate rapidly due to short lifespans and limited dispersal, and ecological specialization may facilitate their diversification. Here, we examine whether habitat specialization correlates with genetic and phenotypic divergence in Risor ruber, a sponge-dwelling goby distributed across the western Atlantic Ocean. By integrating phylogenetic evidence, morphometrics, and network analysis, we identify seven distinct genetic lineages within Risor and reveal concordant patterns of Risor–sponge specialization. Despite the absence of lineage-specific morphologies, morphological traits are associated with sponge hosts, indicating high phenotypic plasticity within lineages. Two Risor lineages specialize on a single host sponge across the Caribbean, while five lineages are generalists. Finally, high modularity across Risor–sponge networks provides further evidence that ecological specialization contributes to Risor diversification. Given the rapid changes in coral reef benthic communities, habitat specialists are more likely to lose their primary habitat and face extinction. Documenting and understanding genetic diversification is imperative, especially in understudied, vulnerable organisms such as cryptobenthic reef fishes.
- Subjects
PHENOTYPIC plasticity; CORAL reefs &; islands; REEF fishes; CORALS; GOBIIDAE; MOLECULAR phylogeny
- Publication
Coral Reefs, 2024, Vol 43, Issue 2, p391
- ISSN
0722-4028
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00338-024-02466-z