Genetic Analysis of Sand Whiting Sillago sihama from North Persian Gulf based on Cytochrome C Oxidase gene subunit I sequences

Sillaginidae family fish from Perciforms, are appropriate candidates for shallow water and coastal aquaculture. At least three species of this family represents in the Persian Gulf. Genetic analysis of Sand whiting Sillago sihama , the most common species of family performed using COI gene. During the present study 10 samples were collected from Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces coastal waters. DNA extracted by modified CTAB method. Polymerase chain reactions were performed using universal primers - FISHF1 and FISHR1-. Sequencing results showed a 627 bp amplified fragment. Performing BLAST supported high identity to Sillago sihama species, hence morphometric identification confirms molecular barcoding. Genetic distance of 0.02 was calculated between samples of two areas based on Kimura 2- parameter using Mega software. Constructed phylogenetic tree using neighbor joining method whereas the Acanthopagrus latus sequences was used as an outgroup revealed no differentiation between two stations samples. In conclusion based on the results of the present study, the gene flow was high among studied samples and no significant differentiation was observed between Bushehr and Hormozgan samples. In conclusion no discrete populations differentiated based on the results of the present study.