COI gene sequences confirm the taxonomic validity of the tooth-carp Aphaniops hormuzensis (Teleostei: Aphaniidae) from southern Iran

The taxonomic validity of the recently described endemic species Aphaniops hormuzensis (Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae) from southern Iran has been questioned as its original description did not include data from another recently described endemic species, i.e. A. kruppi from eastern Oman. Because of the absence of mitochondrial COI gene sequences, Aphaniops hormuzensis was also not included in recent phylogenetic studies. We therefore generated COI gene data for A. hormuzensis and used the new data to construct a phylogenetic tree that also included A. kruppi (amongst other species). Bayesian and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses reveal that both A. hormuzensis and A. kruppi are monophyletic, with high support values. We conclude that A. hormuzensis is a valid species, which is distinct from A. kruppi and also from A. ginaonis, another tooth-carp endemic to southern Iran. Our results add further support to the taxonomic distinctness of A. hormuzensis from southern Iran.