Polymorphic microsatellite loci optimised for studies on the convict cichlid fish (Amatitlania siquia)

The neotropical convict cichlid fish (Amatitlania siquia) is an important model species for the study of animal behaviour. It is therefore surprising that no genetic markers are available for this species. Here, we have optimised four polymorphic microsatellite loci for use with this fish, where each locus comprises between 9 and 28 alleles. We demonstrate how these markers can be used to genotype fry (young) and for the analyses of genetic structure and prevalence of interfamilial mixing within biparental broods of wild convict cichlids. These microsatellites will facilitate future research, hitherto not possible, on the molecular, behavioural and evolutionary ecology of the convict cichlid and possibly other closely related species.