Interspecific genetic divergence in sciaenids from Japan and its adjacent waters

Genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships amongNibea mitsukurii, Nibea albiflora, Pennahia argentata, Argyrosomus japonicus, Atrobucca nibe andLarimichthys crocea were investigated by examining the electrophoretic patterns of 14 enzymes. The allele frequencies of 21 loci were estimated to calculate the genetic distances (D). The averageD value among the sciaenid species increased in proportion to the level of taxonomic category. Relationships estimated by genetic markers well accorded with those estimated by morphological characters. The 6 sciaenid species were clearly divided into two distinct groups at aD value of 1.41.