Allozyme and mitochondrial DNA analysis of carp, Cyprinus carpio L., from south-eastern Australia

Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were introduced to Australia on at least three occasions over the past 100 years. These introductions were to the Prospect Reservoir, Sydney (1907), the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, New South Wales (NSW) (1940s), and to Boolarra, Victoria (1960). Koi, a colourful variety of carp, have been introduced to several areas as well. Carp are now widely spread throughout south-eastern Australia. This study aimed to investigate genetic variation of carp in south-eastern Australia. Carp from several localities were examined at seven polymorphic allozyme loci and with three restriction enzymes detecting polymorphic sites in mitochondrial DNA. Three composite mtDNA haplotypes were found. Haplotype 1 was spread throughout the study area, occurring in 72% of all individuals examined. Haplotype 2 was localized to south-western NSW and occurred in 4% of individuals. Haplotype 3 was found in the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania and accounted for 24% of individuals. Little genetic variation within and among carp populations was observed in the mitochondrial DNA data. The allozyme data showed greater variation within populations than did the mitochondrial DNA data.