Karyological and Molecular Genetic Differentiation of Fringed Sculpins of the Genus Porocottus Gill, 1859 (Cottidae: Myoxocephalinae)

摘要

Karyological and molecular genetic research on fringed sculpins of the genus Porocottus has been conducted for the first time. Karyotypes of P. japonicus (2n = 42, NF = 42), P. allisi, and P. minutus (2n = 40, NF = 42) have been studied. An analysis of mitochondrial DNA shows high levels of species differentiation, as well as significant distinctions of P. camtschaticus from P. minutus and P. japonicus. On the basis of a comprehensive study, the characters that allow reliable identification of P. japonicus, P. allisi, P. minutus, and P.camtschaticus have been found.