Genetic diversity and gene flow of the threatened Brazilian endemic parrotfish Scarus trispinosus (Valenciennes, 1840)

The greenback parrotfish, Scarus trispinosus, is the largest herbivorous fish inhabiting Southwestern Atlantic reefs, and was recently included in the IUCN red list of threatened species as endangered due to the overexploitation of their populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the existence of structured populations (i.e. genetic unities) along a coast of approximately 2000 km of the NE Brazilian coast. The transferability of 17 primers synthesized for Scarus rubroviolaceus was tested for S. trispinosus and five transferable loci were validated and used. Two localities within the Abrolhos Bank, off the Central Brazilian coast (Corumbau and Caravelas) and in close proximity to the MPA, which encompasses the largest remnants of the S. trispinosus population, exhibited higher levels of genetic richness. Remaining locations, Pernambuco, Porto Seguro and Rio Grande do Norte exhibited lower genetic diversity. We found no genetic differences among sampled localities however, when those samples were gathered into latitudinal groups (northern vs southern) a subtle but significant genetic substructuring was revealed. It is proposed that a combination of high local individual admixture favoured by habitat connectivity drived genetic homogeneity at regional scales while larval dispersal contributed to heterogeneities observed at large scales maintaining gene flow through oceanographic currents. •Latitudinal groups revealed a subtle but significant genetic substructuring.•Overfished areas exhibited smaller allelic richness and diversity values.•Habitat availability favors genetic homogeneity.•Marine protected areas can act as genetic reservoirs for S. trispinosus.