Species identification and genetic structure of threatened seahorses in Gran Canaria Island (Spain) using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers |
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Authors: | Almudena López Manuel Vera Francisco Otero-Ferrer Belén G Pardo Paulino Martínez Lucía Molina and Carmen Bouza |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Xen?tica, Facultade de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain;(2) Grupo de Investigaci?n en Acuicultura, Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas and Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P. O. Box 56, 35200 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain; |
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Abstract: | A non-invasive DNA analysis of seahorse populations was carried out after extensive underwater surveys in Gran Canaria Island
(Spain). In this geographical area, the presence of two species, Hippocampus hippocampus and H. guttulatus, has been previously reported. Sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) was used for specific identification of live seahorses
sampled in situ, as a previous step to evaluate genetic structure based on ten microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses
revealed the presence of a single species, H. hippocampus, in the seahorse communities found at Gran Canaria. No evidences of H. guttulatus or interspecific hybrids were found based on 16S rDNA and microsatellite data. The nuclear markers revealed low genetic diversity
and lack of population structure across populations of Gran Canaria Island, with evidence of small population sizes. This
study provides critical information to support conservation strategies of Gran Canaria seahorses. |
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