Identification and Distribution of Wedge Clams (Donacidae: Bivalvia) in Thailand by Geometric Morphometric and Molecular Analysis

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationship of living Thai Donacidae was herein studied. Two methodologies, geometric morphometrics (GM) and genetic analysis of COI sequences, were combined and applied to identify the valid taxa and explain biodiversity and the distribution pattern in this family. A total of 587 living specimens were tested to analyze the shape and size patterns by Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA). Shell identification and GenBank sequences were added to construct the phylogenetic relationship and haplotype network. Centroid size was used to identify the specimens to the subgenus level. Donax (Hecuba) scortum, was easily distinguished from other species by Principal Component analysis (PCA) of shell size and shape. Donax (Dentilatona) incarnatus and Donax (Deltachion) semisulcatus semisulcatus were identified using Canonical Variates Analysis (CVA). Pairwise comparison of EFA was used for species level recognition, particularly shape overlap was observed for medium and small shell size. Based on genetic distance and haplotype network of COI sequences, Donax (Latona) faba and D. (Latona) solidus could be grouped in the same clade. Intraspecific and interspecific genetic data variation of some common species in different geographical localities of Thailand was observed. Three distribution patterns of Donax species were observed along the two-marine system of Thailand.