Genetic diversity of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea using microsatellite analysis

There is growing concerns of over utilization of fish stocks in the world so that marine biodiversity is under extreme pressure by commercial fishing activities. As a solution, molecular genetic studies are being applied to determine genetic characteristics and also to select desirable genes or gene combinations in commercially important species. Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is one of the most important marine food fish species in Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. In this study, genetic variability and population/s structure of Silver Pomfret were studied by genotyping 144 individuals from 5 localities (Sistan and Blauchestan, Hormozgan, Busher and Khuezstan provinces) using 11 microsatellite loci. Results of Fst (0.040) and Rst (0.129) showed low genetic differentiation among regions examined. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 4% of genetic variation between groups and high genetic diversity observed within groups. This study suggests allelic richness and high genetic diversity of species across Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Therefore, using microsatellite loci can provide scientific data of genetic resources of this commercial important species in the area.