Population genetic structure of Iranian cichlid, Iranocichla hormuzensis as an only cichlidae family in Iran using microsatellite markers

The Iranian cichlid, Iranocichla hormuzensis, the only member of cichlidae family in Iran is widely distributed in Hormuz basin such as Mehran and Khorgo spring. The genetic diversity of Iranian cichlid was investigated using microsatellite techniques. In this study, 30 specimens of Iranian cichlid were collected from each location, Mehran River and Khorgo spring. DNA was extracted using ammonium acetate method and PCR amplification was performed using four pairs of microsatellite primers (OS7R, OS25, OS7 and OS64). PCR products were electrophoresed on 12% acrylamide gel and stained with silver nitrate. The results showed that all loci were polymorphic. Average number of the observed alleles in Khorgo spring and Mehran river were 5 and 5.75, respectively. The mean of the observed heterozygosity (Ho) in Khorgo spring and Mehran river were 0.78 and 0.60, respectively. The mean of expected heterozygosity (He) in Khorgo spring and Mehran river were 0.71 and 0.68, respectively. The results showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at five (OS7R, OS25 and OS64 loci in Khorgo spring and OS7R and OS64 loci in Mehran river) out of four studied loci. Low genetic segregation (3%) between population, high genetic diversity (97%) within population and high (10.76) noticeable gene flow between two populations could be concluded. The results of the present study provided valuable information and more insight from genetic structure of Iranian cichlid which may use in conservation as well as operation of this species.