New evidence to genetic analysis of small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) with continuous distribution in China

The genetic diversity and population structure of the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) were investigated based on seven microsatellite markers. Two hundred and twenty-six individuals were collected from ten locations from the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Relatively high genetic variation (He = 0.826-0.873) and very low genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.001-0.029) between populations were checked, which were attributed by high mutation rate, large population size, wide distribution and diverse habitats. L. polyactis had not undergone recent genetic bottleneck events, which was supported by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and mode-shift indicator of allele frequency distribution. UPGMA tree revealed that the cluster results had no connection with isolation by distance. The knowledge on genetic diversity and population structure will be crucial to establish appropriate fishery management for the species.