Reproductive isolation in two strains of the marine rotifer Brachionus cf. ibericus (Rotifera, Monogononta) from Quintana Roo, México

Researchers have identified reproductive isolation between two distinct strains of the marine rotifer Brachionus cf. ibericus in Quintana Roo, Mexico, marking a significant discovery within the Yucatán Peninsula's biodiversity. The study, conducted by Marin-Chan et al., isolated and cultured 23 clones from the northwest (Cancún) and southeast (Sian Ka'an) regions, revealing differences in female production, male development, and resting egg hatching rates. Cross-mating experiments confirmed reproductive barriers between the strains, leading to the proposal of two distinct populations: Brachionus cf. ibericus 'Cancún' strain and 'Sian Ka'an' strain. This finding contributes to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of this ecologically and economically important species complex.

Marin-Chan, A. G., Pérez-Yáñez, D., Acosta-González, G., & Alvarado-Flores, J. (2026). Reproductive isolation in two strains of the marine rotifer Brachionus cf. ibericus (Rotifera, Monogononta) from Quintana Roo, México. Biodiversity Data Journal, 14. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.14.e128770