Mitochondrial DNA reveals low population differentiation in elongate loach, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptobotia elongata</Emphasis> (Bleeker): implications for conservation

Elongate loach (Leptobotia elongata (Bleeker)), an endemic fish species to China, is a famous ornamental freshwater fish. Here, a comparative study of mtDNA control region (D-loop) (835 bp) sequences was performed to analyze its wild population structure and evaluate the genetic diversity for 110 individuals from five locations in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China. A total of 49 polymorphic sites and 45 haplotypes yielded high haplotype diversity (h = 0.952), but low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00454) as that of many fish species. Sequence divergences between haplotypes ranged from 0.0033 ± 0.0011 to 0.0050 ± 0.0012 in intra-groups, and from 0.0037 ± 0.0.0011 to 0.0050 ± 0.0012 between groups. Significant values of Tajima’s D (−1.86383, P < 0.01) and Fu’s F _S (−25.93, P < 0.01), together with uni-modal mismatch distribution, indicated a recent genetic bottleneck or population expansion of the species. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated a small amount of differentiation among groups (1.7%); most of the total variation occurred within groups (98.3%). Also, there was no significant population structure (F _ST = 0.017, P > 0.05), and estimates of gene flows among groups were extremely high (Nm = 28.88), suggesting low genetic divergence between populations in the species. The lack of genetic differentiation among groups is most likely due to the combined gene flow from the downstream movement of eggs and larvae with currents and the upstream or downstream migration of adults throughout the distribution. These groups of L. elongata distributed in upper reaches of the Yangtze River should be considered as a single management unit.     

Genomic evidence for the population genetic differentiation of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in the Yangtze River basin of China

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, an important aquatic species, is mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin. To reveal the population genetic structure of M. anguillicaudatus distributed in the Yangtze River basin, genotyping by sequencing (GBS) technique was employed to detect the genome wide genetic variations of M. anguillicaudatus. A total of 30.03 Gb raw data were yielded from 70 samples collected from 15 geographic sites located in the Yangtze River basin. Subsequently, 2092 high quality SNPs were genotyped across these samples and used for a series of genetic analysis. The results of genetic analysis showed that high levels of genetic diversity were observed and the populations from upper reaches (UR) were significantly differentiated from the middle and lower reaches (MLR) of Yangtze River basin. Meanwhile, no significant isolation by distance was detected among the populations. Ecological factors (e.g. complicated topography and climatic environment) and anthropogenic factors (e.g. aquaculture and agriculture cultivation) might account for the genetic disconnectivity between UR and MLR populations. This study provided valuable genetic data for the future breeding program and also for the conversation and scientific utilization of those abundant genetic resources stored in the Yangtze River basin.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of Daphnia galeata in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,China

Mitochondrial 16S rDNA and CO I gene were used as molecular markers for the analysis of the genetic diversity and differentiation of Daphnia galeata populations in nine water bodies in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In the combined 16S rDNA and CO I gene sequences, 54 variable sites and 44 haplotypes were observed among 219 individuals belonging to nine D. galeata populations. Average haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were, respectively, 0.72% and 0.56%. The F‐statistics (F_ST) value of the D. galeata populations was 0.149. According to the results of the neutral test, D. galeata in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River had experienced a bottleneck effect in the history. Molecular variance analysis indicated that the genetic differentiation of the D. galeata populations mainly occurred within populations (85.09%). Greater genetic differentiations of D. galeata among individuals within populations appeared in the populations from the Huaihe River basin, whereas smaller genetic differentiations occurred in the populations from the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Strong gene flows were all observed between Group I (four populations from the middle reaches of the Yangtze River) and Group ΙΙ (three populations from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River), and Group ΙΙΙ (two populations from the Huaihe River basin). The effective migration rates (M) were 851.49 from Group I to Group ΙΙ and 685.96 from Group I to Group ΙΙΙ, respectively. However, no significant relationship was observed between the genetic differentiation and geographical distance of the nine populations (r = .137, p > .05). Results suggested that the genetic differentiation of D. galeata in the water bodies in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River resulted mainly from geographical isolation.     

Genetic diversity in population of largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti Sauvage et Dabry) from Yangtze River determined by microsatellite DNA analysis

Largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti Sauvage et Dabry 1874), one of the endemic fish species in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China, is a benthic and potamodromous fish that is typically found in rivers with torrential flow. Three dams in the Yangtze River, Ertan Dam, Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam, may have had vital impacts on the habitat and spawning behaviors of largemouth bronze gudgeon, and could ultimately threaten the survival of this fish. We studied the population genetic diversity of C. guichenoti samples collected at seven sites (JH, GLP, BX, HJ, MD, SDP and XB) within the Yangtze River and one of its tributaries, the Yalong River. Genetic diversity patterns were determined by analyzing genetic data from 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. A high genetic diversity among these largemouth bronze gudgeon populations was indicated by the number of microsatellite alleles (A) and the expected heterozygosity (HE). No significant population variation occurred among GLP, BX, HJ and MD populations, but dramatic population differentiation was observed among JH and XB, two dam-blocked populations, versus other populations. Tests for bottlenecks did not indicate recent dramatic population declines and concurrent losses of genetic diversity in any largemouth bronze gudgeon populations. To the contrary, we found that dams accelerated the population differentiation of this fish.     

基于mtDNA Cyt b序列分析齐口裂腹鱼群体遗传多样性

研究测定了长江上游4个齐口裂腹鱼(Schizothorax prenanti)野生群体(重庆巫溪、重庆城口、四川雅安、四川阿坝)共104个个体的线粒体Cyt b基因部分序列, 以探讨齐口裂腹鱼野生群体的遗传多样性和遗传结构。结果表明: 在104个个体Cyt b序列中共检测到43个多态性位点, 25个单倍型。4个齐口裂腹鱼群体的单倍型多样性介于0.704—0.884, 核苷酸多样性介于0.007—0.012。群体间Kimura双参数遗传距离介于0.008—0.017, 其中四川雅安群体与四川阿坝群体间遗传距离最近, 基因交流频繁。重庆城口群体与四川雅安群体间遗传距离最远, 基因交流受阻。AMOVA分析表明, 齐口裂腹鱼的遗传分化主要来自群体内部, 且组群间、组群内群体间和群体内存在显著的遗传分化。中性检验得到Tajima’s D和 Fu’s F_s的值不显著, 且歧点分布图呈多峰, 表明长江上游4个齐口裂腹鱼野生群体未经历过种群扩张。研究旨为齐口裂腹鱼野生资源保护提供必要参考意见, 同时为齐口裂腹鱼种质资源合理开发和利用提供理论依据。     

Genetic diversity and population structure of a cyprinid fish (Ancherythroculter nigrocauda) in a highly fragmented river

In this study, samples of Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, an endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River, were collected above and below dams in the Longxi River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River, China, to investigate the genetic impacts of dams. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cyt b) and 13 microsatellite (SSR) loci were used to analyze whether dams have resulted in loss of genetic diversity of the two fragmented populations or caused genetic differentiation between them. The results showed that the haplotype diversity (0.488; 0.486), nucleotide diversity (0.084%; 0.082%) and average expected heterozygosity (0.652; 0.676) of the two populations were all at a low level, and recent bottlenecks were detected. However, there was no genetic differentiation detected by the low genetic differentiation index (F_st, cyt b: ?0.1677, p = 0.99707; SSR: 0.00259, p = 0.81427). Besides, 11 pairs of half‐sibling relationship were found between the two populations indicating that there were individual movements and gene flow between them. This could be the larvae moving from upstream to downstream when water spilled over dams in flooding season. Therefore, our analysis showed that the dams have caused a loss of genetic diversity of the populations of A. nigrocauda in the Longxi River, blocked the active upstream movement but allowing passive downstream drift of larvae.     

Population genetic structure and evolutionary history of grass carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ctenopharyngodon idella</Emphasis> in the Yangtze River,China

Ample studies have been conducted to investigate the population genetic structure of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in the Yangtze River, China. However, samples from the upper reaches were not included. In this study, we collected samples from the entire river, including three locations in the upper reaches: Yibin, Banan and Yunyang, two locations in the middle reaches: Shishou and Ruichang and one location in the lower reaches: Hanjiang, and sequenced three mitochondrial coding genes (ND5, ND6 and Cytb) and one control region (i.e., the D-loop). Nineteen haplotypes were observed in grass carp of the Yangtze River through the analysis of combined sequence data sets (around 4428 bp). Haplotype diversity indices (0.6000 ∼ 0.9333) and nucleotide diversity indices (0.0002 ∼ 0.0020) demonstrated low genetic diversity in the Yangtze grass carp. The analysis of molecular variance and the fixation index (F _ST = 0.0202) revealed insignificant genetic difference between samples from different reaches. Two monophyletic lineages of haplotypes were identified, with the lineage A experiencing potential expansion events. Along with previous findings, this study provides a better understanding of genetic diversity and variation of grass carp in the Yangtze River and will be served as an important baseline to evaluate the long-term impact of the Three Gorges Dam and other hydroelectric facilities on fish biodiversity.     

Microsatellite DNA variation among samples of bronze gudgeon, Coreius heterodon, in the mainstem of the Yangtze River, China

Bronze gudgeon, Coreius heterodon, is an endemic and economically important fish in the Yangtze River, whose abundance has declined dramatically because of dam construction, overfishing, and water pollution. The Gezhouba and Three Gorges dams block connection of the bronze gudgeon populations above and below the dams. We collected bronze gudgeon from four sites in the mainstem of the Yangtze River, with one site above the dams and three sites below the dams, and studied genetic structure within and among the samples using 12 microsatellite DNA markers. Differences in indexes of genetic diversity were not significant among all the samples. No recent dramatic decrease of effective population size was inferred for all the samples using the population bottleneck test. Overall and pairwise genetic differentiation showed no significant genetic differentiation. Membership proportions of three genetic clusters inferred using assignment analysis were not significantly different among the samples. These results suggested that the genetic diversity and structure of bronze gudgeon were uniform across the samples. However, the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test, fixation index and linkage disequilibrium test indicated genetic subdivision of bronze gudgeon in the upper reach of the Three Gorges Dam. The present study and future studies including tributary samples will provide an important baseline of genetic diversity and population structure of bronze gudgeon in the Yangtze River, which is critical for monitoring and evaluating impacts of the large-scale dams on this species.     

Genetic diversity in the bronze gudgeon, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coreius heterodon</Emphasis>, from the Yangtze River system based on mtDNA sequences of the control region

The bronze gudgeon, Coreius heterodon (Bleeker), is an economically important species, which only inhabits the Yangtze River. The stock declined drastically in recent years due to dam construction, over-fishing, and pollution. Little is known about its population genetic structure. In this study, the sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions of natural bronze gudgeon was determined for fish collected from four sites in the Yangtze River (n = 102). The molecular data were used to estimate the genetic diversity and differentiation of the bronze gudgeon. The results showed that 28 haplotypes and 22 variable sites were found, and the haplotype diversity (π) and nucleotide diversity (h) were 0.849 and 0.00257, respectively. A low level of genetic diversity exists in the bronze gudgeon. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggests that 98.8% of the genetic variability occurred within the populations; the site of collection had little influence on diversity. Future research should focus on investigating the genetic divergence of populations in different tributaries and using additional polymorphic markers, such as microsatellite DNA, to verify the results and improve interpretation.     

Diversification of Schistosoma japonicum in Mainland China revealed by mitochondrial DNA

Background

Schistosoma japonicum still causes severe parasitic disease in mainland China, but mainly in areas along the Yangtze River. However, the genetic diversity in populations of S. japonicum has not been well understood across its geographical distribution, and such data may provide insights into the epidemiology and possible control strategies for schistosomiasis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study infected Oncomelania snails were collected from areas in the middle and lower (ML) reaches of the Yangtze River, including Hubei, Hunan, Anhui, Jiangxi and Jiangsu provinces, and in the upper reaches of the river, including Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in southwest (SW) China. The adult parasites obtained from experimentally infected mice using isolated cercariae were sequenced individually for several fragments of mitochondrial regions, including Cytb-ND4L-ND4, 16S-12S and ND1. Populations in the ML reaches exhibited a relatively high level of diversity in nucleotides and haplotypes, whereas a low level was observed for populations in the SW, using either each single fragment or the combined sequence of the three fragments. Pairwise analyses of F-statistics (Fst) revealed a significant genetic difference between populations in the ML reaches and those in the SW, with limited gene flow and no shared haplotypes in between. It is rather obvious that genetic diversity in the populations of S. japonicum was significantly correlated with the geographical distance, and the geographical separation/isolation was considered to be the major factor accounting for the observed difference between populations in the ML reaches and those in the SW in China.

Conclusions

S. japonicum in mainland China exhibits a high degree of genetic diversity, with a similar pattern of genetic diversity as observed in the intermediate host snails in the same region in China.     

Microsatellite diversity and population genetic structure of yellowcheek, Elopichthys bambusa (Cyprinidae) in the Yangtze River

Yellowcheek carp (Elopichthys bambusa) is the only species of genus Elopichthys. It is widely distributed in Chinese freshwaters but currently its populations have declined to threatening level. We examined the genetic diversity and population structure of E. bambusa in the Yangtze River basin. A total of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were employed to study five populations occurring in middle and lower reaches of the river. The results revealed low-to-moderate genetic diversity. The number of alleles per locus varied between 3 and 8 with an average of 4.8. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.15 to a maximum of 1.00. Significant deviations (P < 0.01) from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed for all the tested locus-population combinations with clear heterozygosity deficits. AMOVA indicated that majority of the variance lies within populations (93.81%) than among the populations (7.05%). Pairwise F_ST and unbiased genetic distance pointed out significant differentiation among the samples from populations with different connections to the Yangtze River. In the UPGMA dendrogram, clustering pattern of populations indicated that most of the populations are reproductively isolated due to anthropogenic interventions. Clustering of PYL and DTL populations shows ongoing gene flow through the mainstream. The recent hydrological alterations and overfishing are major factors shaping the current genetic structure. These results can be helpful for effective management and sustainable conservation of E. bambusa populations.     

Multi-locus genomic analysis reveals the genetic diversity and population structure of the rock carp (Procypris rabaudi) in the upper Yangtze River

Rock carp [Procypris rabaudi (Tchang)] is an endemic species widely distributed throughout the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and its tributaries. Recently, the wild genetic resources of this species have markedly declined and it has been listed as vulnerable in China. Thus, conservation policies for this species are required urgently. However, information supporting decision-making on the conservation of this species is insufficient, especially at the genetic level. In this work, eight populations covering the entire natural range of the species were investigated using amplified fragments length polymorphism markers to determine the genetic diversity and population genetic structure. The results indicated that this species is characterized by moderate levels of genetic polymorphism (46.4% polymorphic loci) and genetic diversity (He = 0.163), and by moderate to high levels of differentiation among the geographical populations. Principal coordinate and Bayesian assignment analysis were used to investigate the genetic structure of this species. No genetically distinct groups among the individuals were detected. The results provided new genetic information and have wide implications for genetic assessment, fishery management and conservation of the rock carp.     

High intra-population genetic variability and inter-population differentiation in a plateau specialized fish, <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Triplophysa orientalis</Emphasis>

Triplophysa orientalis (Herzenstein) is one of the Nemacheilinae (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) fish species distributed in the Tibetan Plateau area. In order to understand the impact of plateau uplift on population history and the isolation effect of plateau lakes on T. orientalis, we examined its genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships. A total of 98 individuals from five wild populations, three from plateau lakes and two from branch rivers in upper reaches of the Yangtze River, in the eastern peripheral of the Tibetan Plateau were sampled. An 848 base pair fragment from the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced for analyses. Overall, very high intra-population genetic variability was found in all populations except for one lake population (Rannicuo); nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.0025 to 0.0159 and haplotype diversity ranged from 0.641 to 0.879. Furthermore, the genetic distance between river populations (0.0326) was much higher than that among lake populations (Rannicuo and Barencuo 0.0035, Bannicuo and Yibicuo 0.0038, Rannicuo and Yibicuo 0.0049). Additionally, the analysis of molecular variance demonstrated that most of the observed genetic variability occurred among populations, accompanied with significant Fst values except for that between the Yibicuo and Barencuo populations. This evidence suggested a strong population structure of the species and a lack of inter-population connection. Lastly, the rate of migration indicated there were large historic gene flows among lake populations. Demographic analysis also indicated there were bottlenecks or expansions in three lake populations, suggesting a potential isolation effect of plateau lakes on population differentiation. Molecular dating of intra-specific divergence showed the plateau uplift has shaped the genetic structure of T. orientalis.     

Mitochondrial control region variability of baiji and the Yangtze finless porpoises,two sympatric small cetaceans in the Yangtze river

BaijiLipotes vexillifer (Miller, 1918) and the Yangtze finless porpoiseNeophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis (Pilleri and Gihr, 1972) are two sympatric small cetaceans inhabiting the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In this study, a fragment (420–428 bp) of the mitochondrial control region was sequenced to provide the first comparative survey of genetic variability and population structure in these two endangered species, with samples of finless porpoises from the Yellow/Bohai Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea also included. Low values of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were found for both species, especially for the baiji and the Yangtze River and South China Sea populations of finless porpoises. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) supported a high level of overall genetic structure among three porpoise populations in Chinese waters, with greatest differences found between either the Yangtze River population or the Yellow Sea population and the South China Sea population. The differentiation between the Yangtze and Yellow Sea populations was not significant, and the males have higher genetic differentiation than the females, suggesting a significant female-biased dispersal between these two populations. This study showed that the Yangtze finless porpoise, unlike the sympatric baiji, was not a genetically isolated population. The Yangtze and Yellow Sea porpoises should be included in the same management unit, but further studies using more samples and especially based on more molecular markers are urgently needed to confirm this.     

铜鱼线粒体控制区的序列变异和遗传多样性

采用PCR和DNA测序技术研究长江中上游野生铜鱼的遗传多样性和群体遗传学特征,从9个采样点共获得100尾铜鱼,用于分析的线粒体DNA控制区的片段序列为946bp。在100个序列中,共检测出变异位点47个(其中增添/缺失位点8个),单倍型41种。9个地理群体的平均单倍型多样性(Hd)和平均核苷酸多样性(Pi)分别为0.9257±0.0162和0.004178±0.002337,表现出较贫乏的遗传多样性。群体间的分化指数(FST值)、平均基因流(Nm)、分子方差分析(AMOVA)和平均K2-P遗传距离均表明9个铜鱼地理群体间存在广泛的基因交流,未明显发生群体遗传分化。另外,共享单倍型比例较高,约为34%(14/41)。单倍型的UPGMA分子系统树和简约网络图显示单倍型的聚类与地理分群没有相关性。上述结果表明9个铜鱼地理群体属于同一种群。       

长江中上游银[鱼句]线粒体DNA遗传多样性分析

银[鱼句]（Squalidus argentatus）是长江常见小型鱼类,分布广泛于干支流,资源量较大。本研究采用线粒体DNA（mtDNA）细胞色素b基因序列对长江中上游干流江津、荆州、监利、洪湖、黄石江段及支流赤水河、湘江等7个江段共217尾银[鱼句]样品的遗传结构和遗传多样性进行了分析。结果显示,银[鱼句]群体Cyt b基因序列分别检出了81个变异位点和97个单倍型,平均单倍型多样性（Hd）和核苷酸多样性（Pi）分别为0.966和0.008 6。分子方差分析（AMOVA）显示,长江中上游银[鱼句]群体存在显著遗传分化。群体间两两比较分析发现,赤水河群体与其他群体基因交流程度低,遗传分化显著,其他群体间没有显著遗传分化。中性检验结果不支持银 历史上发生过群体扩张。     

Population genetics and sympatric divergence of the freshwater gudgeon,Gobiobotia filifer,in the Yangtze River inferred from mitochondrial DNA

The ecosystem and Pleistocene glaciations play important roles in population demography. The freshwater gudgeon, Gobiobotia filifer, is an endemic benthic fish in the Yangtze River and is a good model for ecological and evolutionary studies. This study aimed to decode the population structure of G. filifer in the Yangtze River and reveal whether divergence occurred before or after population radiation. A total of 292 specimens from eight locations in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River were collected from 2014 to 2016 and analyzed via mitochondrial DNA Cyt b gene sequencing. A moderately high level of genetic diversity was found without structures among the population. However, phylogenetic and network topology showed two distinct haplotype groups, and each group contained a similar proportion of individuals from all sampled sites. This suggested the existence of two genetically divergent source populations in G. filifer. We deduced that a secondary contact of distinct glacial refugia was the main factor creating sympatric populations of G. filifer, and climate improvement promoted population expansion and colonization.     

High MHC DQB Variation and Asymmetric Allelic Distribution in the Endangered Yangtze Finless Porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis

The endangered Yangtze finless porpoise is found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and its adjoining big lakes. To explore the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genetic diversity and allelic distribution patterns across its range, we investigated variation at DQB exon 2. From 76 porpoises, we identified 18 DQB sequences. The freshwater Yangtze populations had much higher allelic diversity than marine populations. Among these freshwater populations, the middle-reach population had higher allelic diversity than the lower-reach population. The high DQB diversity level, relative to that of a neutral mtDNA locus, suggests that balancing selection is acting at the DQB gene and that rapid evolution and local positive selection play critical roles in generating and retaining high MHC diversity in the freshwater population. As the balancing selection might be driven by environmental pathogens, we suggest that maintaining MHC variation should be a high priority in the conservation and management of this endangered population, especially as an ex situ conservation strategy.     

Native bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix populations in the Pearl River are threatened by Yangtze River introductions as revealed by mitochondrial DNA

Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix have been two economically important aquaculture species in China for centuries. In the past decades, bighead and silver carp have been introduced from the Yangtze River to many river systems in China, including the Pearl River, in annual, large-scale, stocking activities to enhance wild fisheries. Nonetheless, few studies have assessed the ecological or genetic impacts of such introductions on native conspecific fish populations. An mtDNA D-loop segment of 978 bp from 213 bighead carp samples from 9 populations and a 975 bp segment from 204 silver carp samples from 10 populations were obtained to evaluate genetic diversity and population integrity. Results from a haplotype network analysis revealed that most haplotypes of the Pearl River clustered with those of Yangtze River origin and only a small proportion were distinct, suggesting that both the native Pearl River bighead and silver carp populations are currently dominated by genetic material from the Yangtze River. The genetic diversity of Pearl River populations is high in both species because of this inter-population gene flow, but the diversity of native Pearl River populations is low. To preserve the native genetic diversity, stocking of non-native fingerlings should cease immediately and native Pearl River bighead and silver carp fish farms should be established. This research demonstrates the danger to native biodiversity across China because of the substantial, ongoing stock-enhancement activities without prior genetic assessment.     

长江水系钱草鱼遗传结构及变异性的RAPD研究

采用随机扩增多态性DNA（RAPD）技术对长江中游的湖北嘉鱼与江西瑞昌两个地理群体和中游的汉江和湘江两大水系的鲢和草鱼的群体进行了遗传学研究。发现长江水系链的遗传变异要高于草鱼,与现今生物量成反比的反常现象。鲢遗传多样性从大到小的分布是嘉鱼→湘江→瑞昌→汉江。草鱼遗传多样性从大到小的分布是瑞昌→汉江→湘江→嘉鱼,鲢和草鱼的遗传多样性地理分布并不一致。遗传分化指数Gst分别为12.3%和17.5%,表明鲢和草鱼的四个地理群体的遗传分化度较低,可能与地理较近和基因交流频繁有关。