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A single chromosome region explains divergence in spawning time and variation in otolith shape in an exploited marine fish
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  • Mathilde Horaud,
  • Núria Raventós,
  • Kim Praebel,
  • Carles Galià-Camps,
  • Cinta Pegueroles,
  • Carlos Carreras,
  • Marta Pascual,
  • Victor Tuset,
  • Shripathi Bhat,
  • Arve Lynghammar
Mathilde Horaud
UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Corresponding Author:mathilde.horaud@uit.no

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Núria Raventós
Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CEAB
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Kim Praebel
University of Tromsø
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Carles Galià-Camps
Universitat de Barcelona
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Cinta Pegueroles
Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona
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Carlos Carreras
Universitat de Barcelona Facultat de Biologia
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Marta Pascual
Universitat de Barcelona
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Victor Tuset
Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global
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Shripathi Bhat
UiT The Arctic University of Norway Norwegian College of Fishery Science
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Arve Lynghammar
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
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Abstract

Allochrony is a form of reproductive isolation characterized by differences in the timing of breeding and may play a crucial role in the genetic and phenotypic divergence within species. This study explores the genetic and phenotypic divergence in Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), focusing on spring and autumn spawners along the Norwegian coast. Through genomic analysis and otolith morphology, we identified pronounced genetic and morphologic differences between the two spawning groups. Notably, chromosomes 13 and 14 exhibited local adaptations, while chromosome 1 showed parallel evolution across different localities, suggesting broader evolutionary processes influencing reproductive isolation and adaptive divergence. Functional analysis revealed genes on chromosome 1 associated with responses to environmental stressors, possibly adaptations to seasonal variations at high latitudes. Morphological analysis of otoliths supported these findings, showing differences that may be adaptations to seasonal light availability. The presence of genomic islands of divergence, alongside a general lack of differentiation across the mitochondrial genome, suggests recent and rapid selection processes potentially moderated by ongoing gene flow. This study underscores the importance of considering temporal genetic structures in conservation and management strategies, particularly for species with bimodal spawning time to prevent overexploitation and optimize breeding programs.