Phylogeography of the manybar goatfish, Parupeneus multifasciatus, reveals isolation of the Hawaiian Archipelago and a cryptic species in the Marquesas Islands

A genetic analysis of the manybar goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) across the Pacific Ocean reveals significant biogeographic isolation in the Marquesas Islands, suggesting the presence of a cryptic species. The study, based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 637 specimens across 15 locations, found no genetic structure within Hawaii and the North Pacific but identified strong divergence (4.12% sequence difference) between the Marquesas population and others. This indicates long-standing isolation, contrasting with the high dispersal capacity inferred for this species. Additionally, the Line Islands showed affiliation with southern Pacific populations, supporting their role as a biogeographic transition zone. The findings underscore the unique marine biodiversity of the Marquesas Islands within UNESCO's Te Henua Enata.

Szabó, Z., Snelgrove, B., Craig, M. T., Rocha, L. A., & Bowen, B. W. (2014). Phylogeography of the manybar goatfish, Parupeneus multifasciatus, reveals isolation of the Hawaiian Archipelago and a cryptic species in the Marquesas Islands. Bulletin of Marine Science, 90(1), 493–512. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2013.1032