Deeper insight into the origin and spread of European common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) based on mitochondrial D-loop sequence polymorphisms

The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, can be divided into at least two subspecies: C. c. carpio in Europe and C. c. haematopterus in East Asia. In order to get a better understanding on the still controversially debated origin and spread of European common carp, the sequence variation of the complete mitochondrial D-loop was examined in 248 individuals from 24 populations representing a geographical range from Western Europe (Spain) to Central Asia (Uzbekistan). Two SNPs and one (AT) microsatellite motif were detected by sequencing 35 individuals (1–3 per population) resulting in nine haplotypes ranging from 928 to 940 bp in length. Seven of these haplotypes were described for the first time. All nine European/Central Asian haplotypes were closely related to each other and clustered into a single group with 94% bootstrap support if compared to four representatives of East Asian common carp. The centre of origin of modern European common carp could be located in or close to Central Asia (Ponto-Caspian Sea basin) considering that the total number as well as the number of endemic haplotypes was highest in that region. Two D-loop haplotypes, H2 and H5, were shared by most of the European/Central Asian populations. However, a remarkable prevalence shift of haplotypes from H2 and H5 being equally frequent in wild and wild/feral to H2 dominating or being fixed in domesticated populations indicated a bottleneck/founder effect at early stages of common carp cultivation and domestication in Europe.

► Seven new complete D-loop haplotypes found in European/Central Asian common carp.
► Further support for a common ancestry of European and Central Asian common carp.
► Postglacial spread of common carp from Ponto-Caspian Sea basin into Europe suggested.
► Reduction of D-loop variability in European domesticated common carp demonstrated.