Invasive Coptodon (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in southwest Turkey: Species identification using sequence data

Nonnative cichlids (Coptodon zillii) have established populations in the Köyceğiz and Koca Lakes, located on west coasts of Mediterranean Turkey. Conflicting species names these lakes been reported for many years. We studied samples from current Coptodon Pecenek canal concerning existing GenBank data. estimated possible ancestral population using sequence data mitochondrial D-loop segment. Inter intra-population morphological variations were examined 25 six meristic characters. Haplotype analysis revealed three unique haplotypes Coptodon, indicating poor genetic diversity. Both maximum likelihood Bayesian trees showed that constitute a distinct subclade within zillii clade. This phylogenetic pattern indicates both founded by single invasion C. belong to species. Consistent with data, do not exhibit significant phenotypic divergence, though is slightly divergent. Intra-population variability may be due plasticity response habitat heterogeneity lakes.