Genetic structure of a Neotropical sedentary fish revealed by AFLP, microsatellite and mtDNA markers: a case study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10592-014-0648-2
• Publication Date: 2014-08-25T05:50:55Z
• Authors: Dhiego G. Ferreira; Bruno A. Galindo; Wilson Frantine-S...; Fernanda S. Almeida; Silvia H. Sofia
• Keywords: Conservation Genetics

Although sedentary fish populations are potentially more susceptible to loss of genetic diversity than migratory fish, our knowledge of the genetic structures of Neotropical fish populations is mostly limited to large and/or migratory species. Geophagus brasiliensis is a Neotropical fish that exhibits sedentary habits and parental care, and therefore provides a good model for a population genetic study of a non-migratory species. We used microsatellite, AFLP and mtDNA (D-loop) analysis on a population of G. brasiliensis extending along 250 km of a Neotropical river and one of its tributaries. The results showed that this species has low levels of genetic diversity by comparison with other Neotropical species. The three molecular markers used revealed a common pattern of genetic structure consisting of three groups in the samples examined, with distinguishing values ranging from low ( 0.25). The results suggest a partial restriction of gene flow between populations along certain stretches of river. In general, our results indicated that even over short stretches, species genetic diversity is unevenly distributed throughout the basin, a feature that should be taken into account in future management and conservation actions.