Population genetic structure of Catla catla (Hamilton) revealed by microsatellite DNA markers

Information on the genetic structure of cultured fish species is essential for optimising fisheries management and stock improvement programs. Eight microsatellite loci (Cc6, Cc7, Cc8, Cc9, Ccat C3, Ccat A12, Ccat G1, and Ccat G2) were analysed to study the genetic variation in three river populations, (the Halda, Jamuna, and Padma rivers) and one hatchery population of Catla catla. Seven of the eight loci analysed were polymorphic in all the populations. Locus Ccat G2 had the highest numbers of alleles (8), while the locus Cc9 had the lowest (2). Differences were observed in heterozygosities and average numbers of alleles among the four populations; however, no difference was observed in proportion of polymorphic loci (P95) among the populations. All the studied…