A case of mistaken identity: Genetic and morphological evidence for the presence of Redeye Bass in the Verde River, Arizona

Abstract We report genetic and morphological evidence for the presence of Redeye Bass Micropterus coosae, in Verde River Arizona, previously thought to be Smallmouth dolomieu. performed meristic measurements on 15 individuals sampled from Upper Wildlife Area, Yavapai County, Arizona. Meristic data lateral line scales, scales above line, below were all consistent with not Bass. analyzed mitochondrial nuclear determine whether one black bass (Genus Micropterus) species historically introduced was they persist system. extracted DNA fin clips five phylogenetic analysis nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene using a diagnostic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panel. Results ND2 sequencing indicated that these fish likely originated native stock Coosa system Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee. Similarly, SNP collected aligned reference genotypes based STRUCTURE analysis. These results support hypothesis at least introductions Arizona's founded unrecognized population Further work is needed extent are also present system, if hybridization other basses occurring.