Population genetic analysis of Carassius species in Mongolia based on mitochondrial and microsatellite markers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5564/pmas.v65i04.5133Keywords:
Carassius auratus, Carassius gibelio, mitochondrial DNA, D-loop, Cytb, microsatellite markers, genetic diversity, freshwater fish, evolutionary divergenceAbstract
This study investigates the taxonomy and population genetic structure of the Carassius species distributed in Mongolia using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and control region (D-loop) sequences, complemented by nuclear microsatellite markers. Specimens were collected from lake and rivers belonging to both the Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean basins of Mongolia. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial markers identified two distinct genetic lineages corresponding to Carassius auratus and Carassius gibelio. The phylogenetic tree strongly supported this division, with a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.938) indicating substantial haplotype diversity and a clear separation of the Onon river population (C.auratus) lineage from the other populations. Microsatellite markers also displayed high polymorphism, but showed only weak nuclear structure (PERMANOVA R2 = 0.031), indicating substantial gene flow and polyploidy admixture that obscure the deep maternal divergence captured by mtDNA. Geographically, C. gibelio population was predominantly distributed in the Selenge river tributaries, Buir lake, and the Kherlen river, whereas C. auratus was mainly found in the Onon and Bulgan rivers. Overall, this integrative approach combining mitochondrial and nuclear markers provides the first comprehensive assessment of Carassius genetic diversity and distribution in Mongolia. The results contribute essential insights into the taxonomy, evolutionary divergence, and biogeographical history of these freshwater fish, offering a valuable foundation for their future conservation and management.
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