Convergent morphological and genetic patterns delimit Evolutionary Significant Units in endangered Aipysurus sea snakes

This striking genetic and morphological convergence implicates shared patterns of biogeographic isolation and suggests local adaptation related to locomotory performance and crypsis in open soft-bottomed coastal habitats versus structurally complex reefs. We recommend that coastal and offshore-reef populations of A. duboisii, A. apraefrontalis and A. foliosquama be recognised as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs), while the current taxonomy of A. fuscus, A. laevis, A. pooleorum and A. tenuis be retained.