Phylogenomics of Northeast Asian <i>Pungitius</i> sticklebacks

Aim Understanding the phylogeography of a species complex can provide important insights into its evolutionary history. However, phylogeographic inference often faces dilemma regionally inadequate sampling. Pungitius sticklebacks are case in point: although highest diversity is found Northeast Asia, their this region still poorly understood. Location Asia. Methods With aid whole-genome resequencing data, we investigated Asian sticklebacks, with newly sampled 83 worldwide individuals from 11 locations including eight Chinese reported to host only P. sinensis. Results We discovered that three hosted populations kaibarae and bussei, new fauna China. Phylogeographic analyses further clarified sequence timing colonization Asia by different species, shedding light on origins current distribution ranges. Colonization inland occurred multiple waves, widespread sinensis expanded range relatively late Pleistocene. Main conclusions This study complements our understanding extending sampling cover an area comprises nearly half known genus The discovery Pungitus China particular interest, as translocations support locally declining have under assumption all China—except endangered stenurus—are sinensis, raising conservation concerns associated unintentional possible admixture.