Genetic variation of Zoarces viviparus: Six populations revisited after about 35 years

Abstract

Totally, 417 eelpouts from six localities were collected in November-December 2007. Among these, 314 were females and from 246 of these females, one offspring was collected. The selected populations were also studied 36-38 years ago with the same technique, horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The same enzymes were analysed at that time and now, but additional enzymes were analysed in the samples collected now, totally five enzymes representing 10 loci. A strong congruence in the genetic composition was found between the samples collected 36-38 years ago and those collected in 2007. No effect of pollutants in the environment was seen on the genetic variation by means of isozymes, but deformed offspring was observed and furthermore at one locality a high frequency of not pregnant females in the sample was observed. © 2010 The Authors.