E. Tovela, Natural History Museum Maputo, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique

M. Berggren, University of Gothemburg, Sweden

C. Ferrari^,Chemical Science Department and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Italy

A. Guissamulo, Biological Science Department, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique

N. Hofiço, RSO, University Zambeze,

Introduction: The genus Lethrinus comprises ecologically and economically important reef fishes distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the coastal waters of Mozambique. However, taxonomic ambiguity caused by morphological similarities, synonymy, and insufficient genetic data has limited accurate species identification and biodiversity assessments. Objectives: This study aimed to review the taxonomy and distribution of Lethrinus species in Mozambique, with a particular focus on the genetic diversity and population structure of Lethrinus borbonicus, a poorly documented species with historical records dating back only to 1921 and 1973. Methodology: A total of 70 fin tissue samples were collected from five coastal locations in Mozambique between 2018 and 2022. DNA was extracted using a salt-based protocol, and mitochondrial COI gene sequences were analyzed using phylogenetic and population genetic tools. An additional dataset was compiled from GenBank and BOLD, incorporating samples from Madagascar and Tanzania. Results: The results revealed 23 distinct haplotypes, with high haplotype diversity (h = 0.8418) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00457). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Fst values indicated no significant genetic differentiation among populations, suggesting high gene flow and a panmitc population structure across the sampled range. Oceanographic features such as the Mozambique Channel currents and prolonged pelagic larval duration likely facilitate larval dispersal and genetic connectivity. The findings confirm that Lethrinus borbonicus forms a single genetic stock along the Mozambican coast, highlighting both its ecological significance and vulnerability to overexploitation. Conclusion: These results emphasize the need for integrated taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular data and support the inclusion of L. borbonicus in national fisheries monitoring and conservation planning.

Keywords: Lethrinus, genetic diversity, fisheries, Mozambique