Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in the rare species barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) and its closely related species spotted halibut (V. variegatus)

Barfin flounder and spotted halibut have been selected in Japan as target species for stock enhancement due to the fact that the number of individuals of these species in the wild has been decreasing in the last three decades. Barfin flounder is now considered to be a rare species as its situation is critical. The first microsatellite DNA markers for barfin flounder and spotted halibut are described in this study. Cross‐amplification of barfin flounder markers was examined in spotted halibut species and vice versa.