Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the European bullhead Cottus gobio L. (Osteichthyes) and their applicability to related taxa

The bullhead, Cottus gobio, is widely distributed in European rivers and lakes and generally inhabits cold oxygen-rich water bodies. In contrast to many other native freshwater species, C. gobio populations are probably not influenced by stocking and dispersal abilities are low. Recent allozyme studies of C. gobio in southern Germany (Riffel & Schreiber 1995; Haenfling & Brandl 1998a, b) have shown very high levels of genetic differentiation among local populations. These known features of C. gobio make it a well-suited species to investigate the origins and the maintenance of the genetic population structure. Furthermore, the bullhead is an important indicator species for conservation management as it is highly sensitive to human impacts in the environment. The allozyme markers employed so far have provided only limited resolution at the population level. Microsatellite loci, which can be more polymorphic than allozyme markers, have not been developed for any cottid fish. Here we report 12 new microsatellite loci of the bullhead C. gobio and their amplification in other related taxa.