NEW INSIGHTS IN THE TAXONOMY OF THE CERAMIUM SINICOLA COMPLEX: RESURRECTION OF CERAMIUM INTERRUPTUM (CERAMIACEAE,RHODOPHYTA)1

Phylogenetic relationships of the Ceramium sinicola complex (C. interruptum and C. sinicola) including C. codicola were studied using nucleotide sequences of rbcL and small subunit rDNA, and the RUBISCO spacer was used for sequence comparison of each species. A reassessment of the taxonomic rank and the evolutionary trend within the complex was inferred from a comparative morphological study and molecular data sets based on 11 samples from eight populations from the Pacific coast of the United States and Mexico. Intraspecific relationships were poorly resolved, but the resurrection of C. interruptum as a distinct species was strongly supported by both morphological and molecular data. Ceramium interruptum is distinguished by the combination of the following features: thalli uncorticated at the first internode above the dichotomy, presence of four corticating filaments, 7–11 segments between branching points, rhizoids digitate, and epiphytic on a variety of hosts. Our molecular analyses show that C. sinicola is the sister group to C. codicola, and C. interruptum is basal to them. These phylogenetic relationships allowed for an assessment of the trend in the evolution of cortication pattern and attachment mode to the host.     

Seasonal patterns of abundance,distributions, and phenology in relation to growth strategies of three Sargassum species

Seasonal patterns of abundance of Sargassum johnstonii Setchell & Gardner, S. herporhizum Setchell & Gardner, and S. sinicola Setchell & Gardner var. camouii (Dawson) Norris & Yensen were observed in the northern Gulf of California where mean monthly sea temperatures range annually from < 14 °C to nearly 30 °C. The three species displayed peaks in size, canopy cover, and fertility in the spring, in between periods of seasonal temperature extremes. Larger plants were the first to develop reproductive structures, suggesting that a threshold in size must be reached before plants become fertile. Fertile receptacles were shed in summer. S. sinicola var. camouii retained a greater portion of its primary stipes during the summer dieback than the other two species and showed a second peak in fertility in fall. Whereas tropical Sargassum are most abundant in winter and temperate-zone Sargassum are most abundant in summer months, the Gulf of California species achieve maximum size and fertility in between seasons of extreme temperatures. A long-term decline in abundance of Sargassum was observed at the study site between 1977 and 1981, possibly due to the detrimental effects on Sargassum of anomalously warm sea temperatures in the Gulf of California in 1978 or to the subsequent effects of warm temperature on food webs in the region.     

Restriction to large‐scale gene flow vs. regional panmixia among cold seep Escarpia spp. (Polychaeta,Siboglinidae)

The history of colonization and dispersal in fauna distributed among deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems remains enigmatic and poorly understood because of an inability to mark and track individuals. A combination of molecular, morphological and environmental data improves understanding of spatial and temporal scales at which panmixia, disruption of gene flow or even speciation may occur. Vestimentiferan tubeworms of the genus Escarpia are important components of deep ‐sea cold seep ecosystems, as they provide long‐term habitat for many other taxa. Three species of Escarpia, Escarpia spicata [Gulf of California (GoC)], Escarpia laminata [Gulf of Mexico (GoM)] and Escarpia southwardae (West African Cold Seeps), have been described based on morphology, but are not discriminated through the use of mitochondrial markers (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1; large ribosomal subunit rDNA, 16S; cytochrome b). Here, we also sequenced the exon‐primed intron‐crossing Haemoglobin subunit B2 intron and genotyped 28 microsatellites to (i) determine the level of genetic differentiation, if any, among the three geographically separated entities and (ii) identify possible population structure at the regional scale within the GoM and West Africa. Results at the global scale support the occurrence of three genetically distinct groups. At the regional scale among eight sampling sites of E. laminata (n = 129) and among three sampling sites of E. southwardae (n = 80), no population structure was detected. These findings suggest that despite the patchiness and isolation of seep habitats, connectivity is high on regional scales.     

Reproductive biomass allocation in three Sargassum species

Allocation of biomass to sexual reproductive (receptacle) tissue and vegetative (holdfast) tissue differed absolutely and relatively in three Sargassum species that form the bulk of the intertidal algal canopy in the northern Gulf of California. Sargassum herporhizum devoted a greater proportion of its thallus mass into its rhizoidal holdfast than did S. sinicola var. camouii or S. johnstonii, whose holdfasts are solid, more compact, and composed of a lower percentage of water. Conversely, more sexual receptacle tissue was produced by these two species with small holdfasts during the spring reproductive period. Sargassum sinicola var. camouii, which is the only species of the three that becomes fertile in the fall, produces a comparable amount of sexual tissue during this second period of reproduction. Removal of Sargassum from single-species patches showed that canopy regrowth by S. herporhizum with its encroaching rhizoidal holdfast was more rapid and complete than that of the other two species, which invest most of their reproductive efforts into sexual propagules that can disperse long distances. Sargassum herporhizum also displayed a more rapid and complete recovery of canopy cover in patches cleared of thalli and in control patches following the annual summer dieback. These two divergent modes of reproductive biomass allocation suggest that ability to encroach upon nearby open sites and ability to colonize distant discrete islands of suitable habitat represent two distinct reproductive strategies requiring different patterns of biomass allocation. Moreover, for energetic reasons, a species may not be able to excel at both modes of reproduction.     

CLASSIFICATION OF THE GENUS ISHIGE (ISHIGEALES,PHAEOPHYCEAE) IN THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN WITH RECOGNITION OF ISHIGE FOLIACEA BASED ON PLASTID rbcl AND MITOCHONDRIAL cox3 GENE SEQUENCES1

The taxonomy and biogeography of a genus with species that occur in geographically isolated regions is interesting. The brown algal genus Ishige Yendo is a good example, with species that apparently inhabit warm regions of both the northwestern and northeastern Pacific Ocean. We determined the sequences of mitochondrial cox3 and plastid rbcL genes from specimens of the genus collected over its distributional range. Analyses of the 86 cox3 and 97 rbcL sequences resulted in congruent trees in which Ishige sinicola (Setch. et N. L. Gardner) Chihara consisted of two distinct clades: one comprising samples from Korea and Japan, and the other comprising samples from the Gulf of California. Additional observations of the morphology and anatomy of the specimens agree with the molecular data. On the basis of results, we reinstated Ishige foliacea S. Okamura (considered a synonym of I. sinicola from the Gulf of California) for plants from the northwest Pacific region and designated a specimen in the Yendo Herbarium (SAP) as the lectotype. I. foliacea is distinguished by large (up to 20 cm) and wide (up to 20 mm) thalli, with a cortex of 4–7 cells, and a medulla composed of long, tangled hyphal cells. Both cox3 and rbcL sequence data strongly support the sister‐area relationship between the northwest Pacific region and the Gulf of California. A likely explanation for this pattern would be the presence of a species ancestral to contemporary species of Ishige in both regions during the paleogeological period, with descendants later isolated by distance.     

A review of cross‐backed grasshoppers of the genus Dociostaurus Fieber (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from the western Mediterranean: insights from phylogenetic analyses and DNA‐based species delimitation

Phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation methods are powerful tools for understanding patterns of species diversity. Given the current biodiversity crisis, such approaches are invaluable for urgent assessment and delimitation of truthful species, particularly of endangered and morphologically cryptic taxa from vulnerable areas submitted to strong climate change and progressive human intervention such as the M editerranean region. In this study, we applied two DNA ‐based species delimitation methods and performed a B ayesian phylogenetic reconstruction using three mitochondrial gene fragments (12S , 16S and COI) to solve several taxonomic uncertainties among species of cross‐backed grasshoppers (genus Dociostaurus F ieber) from the western M editerranean. P hylogenetic analyses demonstrate the polyphyletic character of subgenera Dociostaurus , Kazakia B ey‐B ienko and Stauronotulus T arbinsky and, thus, the necessity of revising the currently accepted taxonomic subgenera within the genus Dociostaurus . We propose the split of closely related taxa with allopatric distributions such as D. (S.) kraussi and D. (S.) crassiusculus , considering the later a distinct species limited to the I berian P eninsula and excluding the name crassiusculus from other forms of D. (S.) kraussi from E ast E urope and A sia. Estimates of divergence times indicate that diversification of Dociostaurus probably happened during the M iocene–P liocene (3–7 Ma), and the split of the studied pairs of sister taxa took place during the middle and late P leistocene (1–2 Ma). This study highlights the need for more molecular studies on the genus and their different species for a better understanding of their evolution, genetic variation and population dynamics in order to prioritize strategies for their adequate conservation and management.     

Systematic Status of Bonefishes (Albula spp.) From the Eastern Pacific Ocean Inferred from Analyses of Allozymes and Mitochondrial DNA

Recent molecular evidence suggests that at least eight species of bonefishes (Albuliformes: Albulidae: Albula) are found worldwide (Colborn et al. 2001). Adults of most of these species, including two that are restricted to the eastern Pacific Ocean (Albula sp. A from the Gulf of California and Albula sp. C from the Gulf of Panama), have not been formally described. Because cryptic species of bonefishes are known to occur sympatrically, population genetics data provide an important tool for taxonomic studies on this group. Isozyme analyses conducted on larval, juvenile and adult bonefish from the Guaymas region of the central Gulf of California confirmed that only a single species (Albula sp. A) was present there. In addition, analysis of a segment of the cytochrome b gene from three adult Albula collected from coastal waters of southern California revealed high sequence homology with Albula sp. A, suggesting that the southern California specimens were conspecific with those from Guaymas. However, the southern distributional limit of Albula sp. A, and whether there are regions where Albula sp. A and C occur sympatrically, are unknown. The historical background of the available name Atopichthys esunculus Garman, 1899 [= Albula esuncula (Garman, 1899)], and problems associated with the nomenclature of the two species of eastern Pacific bonefishes, are summarized. The systematic status of the related shafted bonefish, Dixonina (= Albula) nemoptera Fowler, 1911, is also reviewed.     

Diversity assessment of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Banco National Park (Banco Stream,Côte d'Ivoire)

In the present study, a first inventory of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Banco Stream, Côte d'Ivoire, and the correlations between environmental variables and taxonomic richness were analysed. Seven stations were sampled monthly over a 1‐year period, using a hand net (10 × 10 cm, 250 μm mesh, 50 cm length). One hundred and thirty‐two macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded. These taxa were distributed among 74 families and 15 orders belonging to Insecta (118 taxa; 89% of total richness), Oligochaeta (seven taxa), Crustacea (five taxa) and Mollusca (two taxa). Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant difference (at least P < 0.05) in macroinvertebrate richness between upstream stations (S1 and S2) and stations S4, S5 and S6. Chironominae and Tanypodinae (Insecta) were the two very frequent taxa in all the stations. Lumbriculidae (Oligochaeta), Desmocaris trispinosa (Crustacea) and Eurymetra sp. (Insecta) were frequently found in the samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three groups of sampling stations according to taxonomic similarity. Taxonomic richness was significantly and negatively correlated with conductivity, while it was significantly and positively correlated with substrate types (woody debris and gravel). Due to the fact that Banco stream is the locality type of an endemic shrimp species (Macrobrachium thysi), this basin is of high conservation priority.     

Crataegus grossidentata sp. nov. (Rosaceae–Pyreae), a new hawthorn from northern Iran

Crataegus grossidentata Sharifnia & K. I. Chr., found in northern Iran, is described and illustrated as a species new to science. Its ecology, distribution and taxonomic relationships are discussed. A key to C. grossidentata and other one‐styled taxa of Crataegus occurring in Iran is provided.     

Phylogeographic patterns of a lower intertidal isopod in the Gulf of California and the Caribbean and comparison with other intertidal isopods

A growing body of knowledge on the diversity and evolution of intertidal isopods across different regions worldwide has enhanced our understanding on biological diversification at the poorly studied, yet vast, sea–land interface. High genetic divergences among numerous allopatric lineages have been identified within presumed single broadly distributed species. Excirolana mayana is an intertidal isopod that is commonly found in sandy beaches throughout the Gulf of California. Its distribution in the Pacific extends from this basin to Colombia and in the Atlantic from Florida to Venezuela. Despite its broad distribution and ecological importance, its evolutionary history has been largely neglected. Herein, we examined phylogeographic patterns of E. mayana in the Gulf of California and the Caribbean, based on maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from four mitochondrial genes (16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I gene, and cytochrome b gene). We compared the phylogeographic patterns of E. mayana with those of the coastal isopods Ligia and Excirolana braziliensis (Gulf of California and Caribbean) and Tylos (Gulf of California). We found highly divergent lineages in both, the Gulf of California and Caribbean, suggesting the presence of multiple species. We identified two instances of Atlantic–Pacific divergences. Some geographical structuring among the major clades found in the Caribbean is observed. Haplotypes from the Gulf of California form a monophyletic group sister to a lineage found in Venezuela. Phylogeographic patterns of E. mayana in the Gulf of California differ from those observed in Ligia and Tylos in this region. Nonetheless, several clades of E. mayana have similar distributions to clades of these two other isopod taxa. The high levels of cryptic diversity detected in E. mayana also pose challenges for the conservation of this isopod and its fragile environment, the sandy shores.     

Classification of novel soil streptomycetes as Streptomyces aureus sp. nov., Streptomyces laceyi sp. nov. and Streptomyces sanglieri sp. nov

The taxonomic positions of soil isolates known as Streptomyces groups A, B and C were clarified. Comparative 16S rDNA sequence studies indicated that representatives of all three taxa formed distinct phyletic lines within the Streptomyces tree though the group A strains were shown to be related to Streptomyces griseus and associated validly described species. The taxonomic integrity of all three groups was highlighted by DNA:DNA relatedness and ribotype data though the group A strains encompassed a higher degree of genetic variation than the group B and C strains. In light of these and earlier phenotypic data it is proposed that Streptomyces groups A, B and C be given species status as Streptomyces sanglieri sp. nov., Streptomyces aureus sp. nov. and Streptomyces laceyi sp. nov., respectively. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Latitudinal regionalization of epibenthic macroinvertebrate communities on rocky reefs in the Gulf of California

We report on a latitudinal pattern in the structure and species composition of epibenthic macroinvertebrate communities on rocky reefs along a gradient of eight degrees of latitude in the Gulf of California. We provide quantitative evidence of a prominent shift in the taxa dominating these communities, particularly the sessile taxa (Cnidaria, Bivalvia, Annelida, Ascidiacea and Porifera). This pattern was not found in non-sessile taxa (Echinodermata, Decapoda, Cephalopoda, Gastropoda and Polycladida). Based on Bray–Curtis similarity and indicator species analysis we found that the macroinvertebrates of rocky reefs in the Gulf of California are distributed in three broad regions, indicating that sessile taxa are creating such a structure and are related to environmental changes tied to latitude. The northern region (>28° N) was a temperate zone with the coolest water in winter and highest chlorophyll a concentrations, where Octocorallia of the genus Muricea were the dominant taxa. The central region (～24–28° N) had a mix of oceanographic features of the northern and southern regions and was dominated by Echinodermata in terms of species richness and density. The southern region (<24° N) is a subtropical zone with typically warm and clear water, and dominated by Hexacorallia (stony corals). The southern area was less diverse and had lower densities than the central and northern areas. These three communities correspond to known oceanographic discontinuities in the Gulf of California. This implies that future coastal management plans and conservation efforts in the Gulf of California must be regionalized to support their distinct ecological communities.     

PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF GRACILARIA TIKVAHIAE (GRACILARIACEAE,RHODOPHYTA): A STUDY OF GENETIC DISCONTINUITY IN A CONTINUOUSLY DISTRIBUTED SPECIES BASED ON MOLECULAR EVIDENCE1

Gracilaria tikvahiae, a highly morphologically variable red alga, is one of the most common species of Gracilariaceae inhabiting Atlantic estuarine environments and the Intracoastal Waterway of eastern North America. Populations of G. tikvahiae at the extremes of their geographic range (Canada and southern Mexico) are subjected to very different environmental regimes. In this study, we used two types of genetic markers, the chloroplast‐encoded rbcL and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, to examine the genetic variability within G. tikvahiae, for inferring the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships between geographically isolated populations, and to discuss its distributional information in a phylogeographic framework. Based on rbcL and ITS phylogenies, specimens from populations collected at the extreme distributional ranges reported for G. tikvahiae are indeed part of the same species; however, rbcL‐ but not ITS‐based phylogenies detected phylogenetic structure among the ten G. tikvahiae different haplotypes found in this study. The four distinct rbcL lineages were identified as 1) a Canadian–northeast U.S. lineage, 2) a southeast Florida lineage, 3) an eastern Gulf of Mexico lineage, and 4) a western Gulf of Mexico lineage. We found no evidence for the occurrence of G. tikvahiae in the Caribbean Sea. Observed phylogeographic patterns match patterns of genetic structures reported for marine animal taxa with continuous and quasicontinuous geographic distribution along the same geographic ranges.     

Paralytic shellfish toxin profile in strains of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum Graham and the scallop Argopecten ventricosus G.B. Sowerby II from Bahía Concepción, Gulf of California, Mexico

Gymnodinium catenatum Graham is a paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) producer that was described for the first time from the Gulf of California in 1943. During the last decade, its distribution along the Mexican Pacific coastline has increased. In Bahía Concepción, a coastal lagoon on the western side of the Gulf of California, G. catenatum has been linked to significant PSP concentrations found in mollusks. In this study, we describe the saxitoxin profile of 16 strains of G. catenatum, and catarina scallops (Argopecten ventricosus) from Bahía Concepción. Toxins were analyzed by HPLC with post-column oxidation and fluorescence detection. The average toxicity of the G. catenatum strains was 26.0±6.0 pg and 28.0±18.0 pg STX eq/cell after 17 and 22 days of growth, respectively. Ten toxins were recorded, but only dcSTX, dcGTX2, dcGTX3, C1, and C2 were always present in all strains at both growth stages. Since toxin profiles in scallops were similar to the cultures, biotransformations are not significant in catarina scallop. NeoSTX, GTX2, GTX3, and B2 were present in some G. catenatum strains and their presence varied with the age of the culture. In scallop samples, dcSTX, dcGTX2, and dcGTX3 were the most abundant toxins, and from the C-toxin group, only C2 was found. This unique toxin profile can be used as a biomarker for this population, when compared with strains of G. catenatum from other geographic regions.     

Ligulate Desmarestia (Desmarestiales,Phaeophyceae) revisited: D. japonica sp. nov. and D. dudresnayi differ from D. ligulata

The phylogeny of ligulate and sulfuric‐acid containing species of Desmarestia, occurring worldwide from polar to temperate regions, was revised using a multigenic and polyphasic approach. Sequence data, gametophyte characteristics, and sporophyte morphology support reducing a total of 16 taxa to four different species. (1) D. herbacea, containing broad‐bladed and highly branched forms, has dioecious gametophytes. The three other species have monoecious gametophytes: (2) D. ligulata which is profusely branched and, except for one subspecies, narrow‐bladed, (3) Japanese ligulate Desmarestia, here described as D. japonica sp. nov., which is morphologically similar to D. ligulata but genetically distant from all other ligulate taxa. This species may have conserved the morphology of original ligulate Desmarestia. (4) D. dudresnayi, including unbranched or little branched broad‐bladed taxa. A figure of the holotype of D. dudresnayi, which was lost for decades, was relocated. The taxonomy is complemented by a comparison of internal transcribed spacer and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) as potential barcode loci, with cox1 offering good resolution, reflecting species delimitations within the genus Desmarestia.     

BRASILONEMA ANGUSTATUM SP. NOV. (NOSTOCALES), A NEW FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIAL SPECIES FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS1

A new filamentous cyanobacterial species of the genus Brasilonema was isolated from the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The taxon is distinguished from the seven other species in the genus by attenuation of trichomes, and is here described as Brasilonema angustatum sp. nov. It possesses the cytoplasmic kerotimization and reddish‐brown coloration of several species in the genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence shows B. angustatum within a highly supported clade containing all sequenced Brasilonema species. We compared the secondary structure of the 16S–23S ITS regions for B. octagenarum and B. angustatum. The structurally conservative D1–D1′ and V3 helices show similar motifs between the two taxa, but differ structurally and in sequence, providing additional justification for erection of the new species. The Box‐B helix has identical secondary structure. The existence of tapering in a Brasilonema species is unique in this genus, and requires modification of the current concept of the genus Brasilonema, which was described as being unattenuated. Our phylogenetic evidence supports the hypothesis that tapering has developed repeatedly in separate cyanobacterial lineages and lacks the taxonomic significance once assumed by early workers.     

Monomer composition and sequence of sodium alginate extracted at pilot plant scale from three commercially important seaweeds from Mexico

The marine waters of the Baja California peninsula (Mexico) are a rich source of brown seaweeds with a great potential for exploitation. For that reason, Sargassum sinicola, Eisenia arborea, and Macrocystis pyrifera collected from different locations were subjected to extraction of sodium alginate using a pilot-plant scale process developed in our facilities. The composition and sequence parameters of the recovered alginate were studied by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spectral analysis of the products revealed that sodium alginate from S. sinicola contains a greater proportion of guluronate monomers (64%) than that from E. arborea (48%), and M. pyrifera (38%). Computation of the frequencies of diads and triads indicated that the alginate from S. sinicola was constructed by intercalated guluronate-blocks of 14 residues in length. In contrast, the length of the G-block in the alginates from E. arborea and M. pyrifera were 7 and 4 residues, respectively. The results show that S. sinicola, E. arborea, and M. pyrifera are sources of sodium alginate with different mannuronate/guluronate ratios, as well as a varied building-block length. In consequence, aqueous dispersions of sodium alginate from the three studied species are expected to exhibit different physical properties.     

Biogeographical contingency and the evolution of tropical anchovies (genus Cetengraulis) from temperate anchovies (genus Engraulis)

Aim Similar regimes of selection in different geographical settings can deterministically produce similar adaptive morphologies. We tested the hypothesis that the evolutionary trajectories of fish in upwelling zones can be altered by biogeographic contingencies in the biological and physical environment. Location Eastern Pacific and western Atlantic oceans. Methods We estimated phylogenetic relationships among eastern Pacific temperate anchovies (genus Engraulis) and tropical anchovies (genus Cetengraulis) with neighbour‐joining and Bayesian tree analysis of a 521‐bp segment of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b. Available sequences for five additional engraulid taxa were included to establish polarity of the tree. Bayesian estimates (BEAST) of time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for the nodes in the phylogeny were calibrated with divergence between Cetengraulis edentulus and Cetengraulis mysticetus precipitated by the rise of the Panama Isthmus 2.8–3.2 Ma. Results Neighbour‐joining and Bayesian trees indicate that South American Engraulis anchoita (Argentina) and Engraulis ringens (Chile) together are basal sister taxa to the California anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and Old World anchovies (Engraulis japonicas, Engraulis australis, Engraulis capensis and Engraulis encrasicolus). The two tropical species of Cetengraulis are sister‐taxa to Californian E. mordax, even though their phenotypes and ecologies differ markedly. A relaxed molecular clock indicates a TMRCA between Californian E. mordax and Cetengraulis at about 4.2 Ma (3.0–6.3 Ma 95% highest probability density). Main conclusions The TMRCA between the California anchovy, E. mordax, and tropical Cetengraulis coincides with the formation of the Gulf of California, which provided opportunities for allopatric isolation during climate oscillations. Mid‐Pliocene warming (3.1–2.9 Ma) may have trapped ancestors of Cetengraulis in the Gulf of California, where they evolved digestive tract morphologies to exploit inshore tropical habitats with low plankton productivities. While populations of several other temperate fishes have become isolated in the Gulf of California, few of these derived species show strong adaptive shifts from temperate sister taxa or range expansions into the tropical provinces of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific.     

New insights into the systematics of Malagasy mongoose‐like carnivorans (Carnivora,Eupleridae, Galidiinae) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

The Malagasy carnivorans (Eupleridae) comprise seven genera and up to ten species, depending on the authority, and, within the past decades, two new taxa have been described. The family is divided into two subfamilies, the Galidiinae, mongoose‐like animals, and the Euplerinae, with diverse body forms. To verify the taxonomic status of Galidiinae species, including recently described taxa, as well as some recognized subspecies, we studied intrageneric genetic variation and structure, using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Our results suggest the recognition of four species in the Galidiinae, rendering each genus monospecific. We propose to recognize three subspecies in Galidia elegans (G. e. dambrensis, G. e. elegans, and G. e. occidentalis), two subspecies in Mungotictis decemlineata (M. d. decemlineata and M. d. lineata), and two subspecies in Galidictis fasciata (G. f. fasciata and G. f. grandidieri, the latter was recently described as a distinct species). Our results indicate also that Salanoia durrelli should be treated as a junior synonym of Salanoia concolor. Low levels of intraspecific divergence revealed some geographical structure for the Galidiinae taxa, suggesting that environmental barriers have isolated certain populations in recent geological time. All taxa, whether at the species or subspecies level, need urgent conservation attention, particularly those with limited geographical distributions, as all are threatened by forest habitat degradation.