Origin, Phylogeny, and Taxonomy of Lenoks of the Genus Brachymystax (Salmonidae): Available Data, Their Interpretation, and Unresolved Problems

The reproductive and phylogenetic relationships of lenoks of the genus Brachymystax are considered based on analysis of 30 allozyme loci and two fragments (411 and 987 base pairs) of the mitochondrial DNA control region. The presence of three phylogenetic lenok groups, the blunt-snouted and sharp-snouted groups from Russia and neighboring countries and the Qinling group from China and South Korea, has been confirmed. It is assumed that the center of origin of the genus Brachymystax was Primorye and the blunt-snouted lenok from this region is closest to the ancestral form. Modern assumptions on the taxonomic status of different forms of lenok are contradictory both in the number of species (from one to five) and in their composition. The identification of two or three species in the genus Brachymystax is most reasonable. The main problems that should be solved to clarify the phylogeny and taxonomy of representatives of this genus are indicated.