Genetic characterisation of populations of the critically endangered Goliath grouper ( Epinephelus itajara,Serranidae) from the Northern Brazilian coast through analyses of mtDNA

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Gláucia C. Silva-oliveira¹  Péricles S. Do Rêgo¹  Horacio Schneider¹  Iracilda Sampaio¹  Marcelo Vallinoto¹ 

关键词: Goliath grouper;    Epinephelus itajara;    control region;    mtDNA;    population genetics;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1415-47572008005000016

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The Goliath grouper ( Epinephelus itajara ) is one of the most endangered species of fish of the subfamily Epinephelinae. Slow to develop and mature, and dependent on mangrove habitats for breeding, the species also suffers intense harvesting, which has reduced drastically in numbers in many areas. To contribute to the understanding of the characteristics ofE. itajarapopulations, we conducted a molecular genetics study of the species, focusing on populations from the Northern Brazilian coast. The mtDNA control region (D-loop) of 116 individuals from five localities (Bragança, Ajuruteua, Parnaíba, Fortaleza and Natal) was analysed, and a sequence of 499 base pairs identified. Analyses of the sequences indicated that genetic variability was generally lower inE. itajarathan in other endangered species of the genus. AMOVA found no significant grouping structure among the populations. Nested Clade Analysis revealed a significant association between genetic variability and geographic distribution among only three populations (Ajuruteua, Parnaíba and Natal). Genetic diversity was higher in populations from the Amazon region, which may be related to the better conservation of mangrove habitats in this area. Therefore, the present study could be used for the implementation of conservation and management measures in order to protect and consolidate these populations.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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