Bohlen, J. & P. Ráb

Species and hybrid richness in spined loaches of the genus Cobitis L. (Teleostei: Cobitidae), with a checklist of European forms and suggestions for their conservation

Journal of Fish Biology, 59a: pp. 75-89

Journal of Fish Biology, 59a: pp. 75-89 (2001)

Species and hybrid richness in spined loaches of the genus Cobitis L. (Teleostei: Cobitidae.), with a checklist of European forms and suggestions for their conservation

Bohlen, J. & Ráb, P.

Until recently, one widespread species of the genus Cobitis was thought to be present in Europe, the common spined loach Cobitis taenia L. Recent studies have shown that the diversity of spined loaches is considerably higher due to: a) presence of several species as well as C. taenia and b) presence of hybrid biotypes, living together with species. Here we summarise knowledge about distribution and diversity of spined loaches in Europe by combining original with published data. In southern Europe, a number of distinct species occur allopatrically, while in Central and Eastern Europe a few species have wide distribution areas. Hybrid biotypes were found exclusively in Central and Eastern Europe. They were not restricted to the contact areas between the parental species, but occur in almost the whole area. In total, 15 hybrid biotypes with different genome compositions were recorded. In the most diverse complex, four hybrid biotypes were associated with one species. In general, a syntopic occurrence of different species of Cobitis can be considered as exceptional, while the association of species with hybrid biotypes is the rule in Central and Eastern Europe. The composition of complexes seems to be most strongly influenced by the kind of associated species and by local history. Implications for conservation are i) not to disturb the natural patterns of diversity, ii) to consider the known richness in legislation, iii) to consider the evolutionary significance of hybrid biotypes.

Key Words: biodiversity, unisexual fish, zoogeography, glaciation, Cobitidae