Genetic and demographic variation among different colorations of the Eastern South Pacific fish “jerguilla” (Aplodactylus punctatus Valenciennes, 1832) (Perciformes: Aplodactylidae)

Abstract

Colour variation and molecular diversity of Aplodactylus punctatus were addressed with DNA sequence data. Mitochondrial cytochrome b and region control sequences were obtained from representatives of three Chilean populations of this species. Substantial levels of molecular diversity were detected, although there are not relation between the haplotypes obtained and geographical distribution or colour. We consider factors such as geographic distribution, population size, dispersal, secondary contact, and phylopatry as potential causes of the high level of mtDNA nucleotide diversity in this species.