Development and characterization of Novel Microsatellite markers in great snakehead, Channa marulia (Hamilton, 1822)

The species-specific microsatellite markers in the great snakehead, Channa marulia, were mined from the genome, through an enriched genomic library construction. Total 27 microsatellite loci exhibited polymorphism. The repeat containing sequences were annotated to ensure the genetic neutrality of the loci. Nineteen, consistently scorable loci were validated, and used to estimate the genetic indices in n = 67 individuals sampled from three Indian rivers (Godavari, Mahanadi and Teesta). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.366 to 0.831, while heterozygosities varied from 0.077 to 0.818. Bayesian model-based clustering grouped the samples into three discrete populations with evidences of little genetic admixture. The results confirmed a set of 19 microsatellite markers, as promising molecular tool, for estimating genetic diversity studies in C. marulia. Successful cross-transferability was observed in three congener species viz. C. punctata, C. gachua, and C. striata. The results can be useful in conservation and management of C. marulia.