Genetic and ecomorphological divergence between sympatric Astyanax morphs from Central America

Abstract

Ecological and morphological divergence within populations can be a signal of adaptive divergence, which can maintain intraspecific polymorphisms and promote ecological speciation in the event of reproductive isolation. Here, we evaluate correlations among morphology, trophic ecology, and genetic differentiation between two divergent morphs (elongate and deep-body) of the fish genus Astyanax in the San Juan River basin in Central America, to infer the putative evolutionary mechanism shaping this system. We collected the two morphs from three water bodies and analyzed: 1) the correlation between body shape and the shape of the premaxilla, a relevant trophic structure, 2) the trophic level and niche width of each morph, 3) the correspondence between trophic level and body and premaxillary shape, and 4) the genetic differentiation between morphs using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We found a strong correlation between the body and premaxillary shape of the morphs. The elongate-body morph had a streamlined body, a premaxilla with acuter angles and a narrower ascending process, and a higher trophic level, characteristic of species with predatorial habits. By contrast, the deep-body morph had a higher body depth, a premaxilla with less acute angles, and a broader trophic niche, suggesting generalist habits. Despite the strong correlation between morphological and ecological divergence, the morphs showed limited genetic differentiation, supporting the idea that morphs may be undergoing incipient ecological speciation, although alternative scenarios such as stable polymorphism or plasticity should also be considered. This study provides evidence about the role of ecological factors in the diversification processes in Astyanax.