Genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the miiuy croaker, Miichthys miiuy, in the East China Sea by microsatellite markers

Abstract

Genetic diversity and patterns of population structure of the miiuy croaker were investigated using SSR markers. A set of 10 microsatellite loci revealed 40 alleles; the number of alleles varied from 2 to 10 for each marker. A relatively high level of genetic variability was observed between miiuy croaker individuals. Genetic diversity was relatively high within populations with corresponding high average gene flow. There were genealogical branches or clusters corresponding to sampling localities according to the UPGMA tree and principal component analysis. Knowledge of the genetic diversity and population structure will be crucial for establishing appropriate fishery management stocks for this species.