Determination of genetic variations by using mitochondrial DNA cyt b sequences in populations of Carasobarbus luteus (Cyprinidae)

Abstract

As the human population increases, freshwater fish has become an important alternative source of protein to meet the need of protein. Especially numerous fish species from the family Cyprinidae are consumed by the people. Among these fish, Carasobarbus luteus (Heckel, 1843) is also one of the most preferred species thanks to its edible flesh as well as its low price. Since it is economically important, there has been the pressure of overfishing and invasive species on the populations of this species, resulting in decrease of the sources day by day. Management and conservation of the species have importance therefore it is need to know its genetic variations in the first place. The present study analyzed sequences of mtDNA cyt b locus and established the genetic variability following the collection of 65 individuals from five different localities in diverse river systems where C. luteus populations naturally inhabit. Sequence analysis revealed 13 polymorphic sites and 5 haplotypes. Birecik was the locality with the highest value in terms of both haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity, Diyarbakır was the one with the lowest value. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs values were found to be statistically insignificant for all the localities. Population genetic diversity of this fish species was found to be low in terms of mtDNA cyt b marker. It is recommended to take measures to stop the loss of genetic diversity and to start conservation studies.