Systematics of the <i>Pomatoschistus minutus</i> complex (Teleostei: Gobioidei)

Abstract

Abstract Systematic relationships of gobioid fishes of the eastern Atlantic Pomatoschistus minutus complex have been investigated by means of morphological, biochemical and karyological criteria. These studies confirm the existence of three taxa, minutus (Pallas 1770), lozanoi (De Buen 1923) and norvegicus (Collett 1903), one of which (lozanoi) is morphologically intermediate between, yet genetically distinct from, the other forms. Evidence is presented that lozanoi may interbreed with minutus or norvegicus in the wild, but that backcrossing of resulting hybrids does not occur. It is concluded that minutus, lozanoi and norvegicus all deserve specific status and these species are formally diagnosed.