Genetic Diversity and Differentiation in Broodstocks of the Endangered Chinese Sucker, Myxocyprinus asiaticus, Using Microsatellite Markers

Abstract

Chinese Sucker, Myxocyprinus asiaticus, is a valuable and endangered freshwater species in China. We investigated genetic diversity and differentiation of four M. asiaticus broodstock populations using 10 microsatellite loci. Three populations showed weak genetic differentiation among them. The other and the most distant population exhibited the lowest genetic diversity. It was inferred that wild M. asiaticus ancestry in the Yangtze River had sufficient gene flow among localities, while under the situation of population decline and fragmentation, restocking programs without genetic management might aggravate loss of genetic diversity and increase genetic differentiation. Maintenance of population connectivity among localities requires real attention in future restocking efforts. © Copyright by the World Aquaculture Society 2013.