Complete mitochondrial genomes of the charr Salvelinus alpinus erythrinus (Salmoniformes: Salmonidae) from Arctic Canada

The complete mitochondrial genomes were sequenced in two individuals of charr Salvelinus alpinus erythrinus from Arctic Canada. The genome sequences were 16,652 bp in length; the genome organization and GC content (45.6%) are consistent with those of charr mitochondrial genomes published previously. The difference between the two genomes studied is low, 0.02%. Our results indicate the phylogenetic closeness of S. alpinus erythrinus and Salvelinus sp. 4 from Lake Nachikinskoe, Kamchatka and their origin from a common ancestor.

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic position of the Taranetz charr Salvelinus taranetzi Kaganovsky, 1955 (Salmoniformes: Salmonidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced in two individuals of Taranetz charr Salvelinus taranetzi. The genome sequences are 16,654  bp in size, and the gene arrangement, composition, and size are very similar to the charr genomes published previously. The difference between the two genomes studied is low, 0.05%. The present study confirms the independent taxonomic status of S. taranetzi within the genus Salvelinus. The level of sequence divergence between S. taranetzi and Salvelinus alpinus inferred from the complete mitochondrial genomes is relatively low (1.1%), indicating recent divergence of the species.

Extensive secondary contact among three glacial lineages of Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) in Labrador and Newfoundland

AIM

The Pleistocene glaciation event prompted the allopatric divergence of multiple glacial lineages of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), some of which have come into secondary contact upon their recolonization of the Holarctic. While three glacial lineages (Arctic, Atlantic, and Acadian) are known to have recolonized the western Atlantic, the degree of overlap of these three lineages is largely unknown. We sought to determine the distribution of these three glacial lineages in Labrador and Newfoundland at a fine spatial scale to assess their potential for introgression and their relative contribution to local fisheries.

LOCATION

Labrador and Newfoundland, Canada.

METHODS

We sequenced a portion of the D-loop region in over 1,000 Arctic char (S. alpinus) samples from 67 locations across Labrador and Newfoundland.

RESULTS

Within Labrador, the Arctic and Atlantic lineages were widespread. Two locations (one landlocked and one with access to the sea) also contained individuals of the Acadian lineage, constituting the first record of this lineage in Labrador. Atlantic and Acadian lineage individuals were found in both eastern and western Newfoundland. Multiple sampling locations in Labrador and Newfoundland contained fish of two or more different glacial lineages, implying their introgression. Glacial lineage did not appear to dictate contemporary genetic divergence between the pale and dark morph of char present in Gander Lake, Newfoundland. Both were predominately of the Atlantic lineage, suggesting the potential for their divergence in sympatry.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals Labrador and Newfoundland to be a unique junction of three glacial lineages which have likely hybridized extensively in this region.