Loss of genetic variation of Phalacronotus bleekeri (Günther, 1864) in the hatchery stocks revealed by newly developed microsatellites

Genetic variation of the two generations of hatchery stocks (the 1999 and 2006 year-classes) and an original wild stock of Phalacronotus bleekeri was assessed using six novel microsatellite DNA loci developed from this species in two multiplex PCR reactions. Apparent decline of allele diversity was observed in the hatchery stocks relative to that of the wild (A = 7.17–8.00 and 13.00 for hatchery and wild stocks, respectively) despite of no changes in heterozygosity (He = 0.84, 0.79 and 0.70 for the wild, 1999 broodstock and 2006 broodstock, respectively, P > 0.05). The Bayesian assignment showed no genetic contributions from the hatchery stocks to gene pool of the wild stock.

► We developed microsatellite primers in multiplex PCRs for Phalacronotus bleekeri.
► We analysed genetic diversity of two domesticated stocks and a wild population.
► Domesticated stocks had obviously lower allele diversity than the wild population.
► Domesticated stocks showed indifferent heterozygosities with the wild population.
► We observed no contribution from the hatchery stocks to genepool of the wild stock.