Genetic comparison of Neogobius caspius (Eichwald, 1831) in the west and east of south Caspian Sea using microsatellite markers

Neogobius caspius is a small benthic fish, native to the Caspian Sea. The fish is highly important as it comprises the main food item of the Caspian Sturgeons. The genetic diversity of N. caspius populations in the Caspian Sea was studied using microsatellite technique. In the study, 115 specimens of N. caspius from two regions (Turkmen Bandar and Anzali Bandar) in south Caspian Sea were collected. DNA was extracted using 12 pairs of microstellite primers for which polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted. DNA bands were analyzed using UVdoct and GenAlex software package. Out of 12 microsatellite primers, 11 loci were produced, of which 9 were polymorphic, 2 monomorphic and one showed smear. The average observed and expected hetrozygosity was 0.749 and 0.638, respectively. Significant genetic differences between the two regions were observed (P 0.01). Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were in all specimens. These results indicate that at least two populations of N. caspius exist in the south Caspian Sea.