Genetic Divergence in Catfish of Odisha (India) Based on DNA-Barcoding Data

Genetic tools play a crucial role in fisheries management by enabling accurate species identification, assessment of genetic diversity, and clarification of evolutionary relationships. The family Siluridae, comprising 13 genera and 107 species, includes ecologically and economically significant freshwater catfishes distributed across Asia. However, their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history remain poorly resolved. This study investigates the phylogeny and divergence timing of Silurid species collected from different riverine systems of Odisha, India, using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences. The results revealed interspecific genetic distances among three Ompok species ranged from 13.2 to 17.8%, with Wallago attu forming a distinct sister clade (19.7–22.3% divergence). Divergence time analysis indicates that within the family Siluridae, Pterocryptis diverged first (~39.5 million years ago), followed by the separation of Ompok and Wallago (~31.7 million years ago). These divergence events align with major geological and climatic changes, including the Himalayan uplift and river system reorganization. This study highlights the role of tectonics, drainage evolution, and climatic shifts in shaping the diversification of Silurid catfishes and provides valuable insights for taxonomy and conservation.