Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the demersal fish Helicolenus dactylopterus (Dela Roche 1809)

Abstract

Six microsatellite loci were identified for the demersal deep-sea fish Helicolenus dactylop-terus. All loci were highly polymorphic (5 – 21 alleles per locus). Observed heterozygositieswere from 0.378 to 0.868, while the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.529 to 0.925.Multiplex PCR reactions were optimized. Microsatellite markers were developed foranalysis of genetic structure including identification of stocks and migration patterns. Theresulting data will be used to help in the establishment of scientifically based fisheriesmanagement for this species. Departures from the expected Hardy–Weinberg equilibriumwere observed in three loci, and are likely to be a consequence of population structuringacross the Azorean islands.