Development of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the design of management and conservation strategies of the critically endangered Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia,Williams & Etnier, 1982)

The decline of the Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia), a small schooling fish endemic to the Barrens Plateau region of Middle Tennessee, is one of the most dramatic cases of species imperilment in eastern North America. Loss of undisturbed habitat, coupled with the introduction of the invasive Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) has led to the extirpation of 12 out of 14 natural populations since the 1980s. Identified is a set of 14 microsatellite loci to improve conservation and management strategies for the species. Four loci were cross‐amplified using primers designed for congeneric taxa and 10 loci were developed from whole genome Illumina sequencing. Initial surveys in two populations suggest significant structuring of genetic variation and differing levels of heterozygosity among populations. These markers will contribute valuable information to ongoing conservation and management efforts.