Microsatellite Polymorphism in Iranian Populations of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum G.)

Genetic divergence within and between wild populations of cobia, Rachycentron canadum (L.) was assessed by means of microsatellite analysis in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Ten microsatellite markers were used to estimate the level of genetic diversity within six wild populations of cobia and the degree of genetic differentiation between them was compared. Mean observed and effective allele number was 12.357 and 8.319, respectively. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.655 and 0.874, respectively. Based on Analysis of Molecular Variance highest F-statistics (0.063) was observed when comparing specimens from Dayer Port zone and Pozm of Chabahar zone. Highest genetic distance (0.258) and lowest genetic resemblance (0.223) were observed between specimens from Dayer Port zone and Beds of Chabahar zone. The present study showed that at least three different populations ofRachycentron canadum were found in the northern coasts of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.