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Nuclear and mitochondrial markers reveal evidence for genetically segregated cryptic speciation in giant Pacific octopuses from Prince William Sound, Alaska

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Abstract

Multiple species of large octopus are known from the north Pacific waters around Japan, however only one large species is known in the Gulf of Alaska (the giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini). Current taxonomy of E. dofleini is based on geographic and morphological characteristics, although with advances in genetic technology that is changing. Here, we used two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I), three nuclear genes (rhodopsin, octopine dehydrogenase, and paired-box 6), and 18 microsatellite loci for phylogeographic and phylogenetic analyses of octopuses collected from across southcentral and the eastern Aleutian Islands (Dutch Harbor), Alaska. Our results suggest the presence of a cryptic Enteroctopus species that is allied to, but distinguished from E. dofleini in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Existence of an undescribed and previously unrecognized taxon raises important questions about the taxonomy of octopus in southcentral Alaska waters.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Sarah Sonsthagen and C. Roman Dial for laboratory and analytical assistance, also Gordon Scott, Reid Brewer, Robert Berceli, and Elisa Russ for obtaining samples. Also, thanks to Henry Tomingas for sampling equipment and boat use, Christy Beaty for GIS mapping, Meg Fowler for help with figures, and John Pearce and two anonymous reviewers for providing valuable comments on earlier versions of the manuscript. We acknowledge the late P. R. Rigby for inspiring this study. Thanks to Richard, Susan, and Kathryn Toussaint, Paul Kelly, Jennifer Wehrmann, Roman J. Dial, and many others for their support and collaboration with this project. Funds for this research were provided by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative through Alaska Pacific University, the Alaska Space Grant Program, Jacobs Engineering, U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, and Alaska Pacific University. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alaska Pacific University, University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

    R. K. Toussaint & D. Scheel

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

    G. K. Sage & S. L. Talbot

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  1. R. K. Toussaint
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  2. D. Scheel
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  3. G. K. Sage
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  4. S. L. Talbot
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Correspondence to R. K. Toussaint.

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Toussaint, R.K., Scheel, D., Sage, G.K. et al. Nuclear and mitochondrial markers reveal evidence for genetically segregated cryptic speciation in giant Pacific octopuses from Prince William Sound, Alaska. Conserv Genet 13, 1483–1497 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-012-0392-4

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