Phylogenomic analyses of the genus Gouania (Gobiesocidae)

Hidden in deep layers of Mediterranean intertidal gravel beaches, clingfishes of the genus Gouania show remarkable adaptations to an interstitial lifestyle. An elongated wormlike body combined with morphological truncations and small eyes allow members of this genus to survive and thrive in otherwise hostile conditions. Our recent phylogenetic and taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in the description and redescription of five species. Remarkably, coexisting, “slender” and “stout” ecotypes independently evolved in the Adriatic Sea and the eastern Mediterranean basin. Building upon these initial findings, we aim to analyse this parallel evolution from different ecological, morphological and genetic angles. The latter includes whole genome resequencing and comparative phylogenomics, and profits from a high-quality reference genome of one of the five species. Through whole-genome re-sequencing of several individuals of each of the five species we aim to illuminate the genomic basis for adaptations and infer loci under divergent selection. These results may serve as a baseline for the understanding of the evolutionary success and the parallel evolution in Gouania.