Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the Atlantic slipper shell Crepidula fornicata for use in paternity analysis

Crepidula fornicata is an ideal species in which to study the evolution and timing of sex change. In order to test current theory on the timing of sex change, male reproductive success must be quantified. Because C. fornicata is polygamous, this can only be achieved through the development of molecular markers and paternity analysis. Here, I report the development of five polymorphic microsatellite loci that are inherited in a Mendelian fashion. The levels of polymorphism and the inheritance patterns of these loci make them suitable for paternity analysis despite the presence of null alleles.