Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Loci from an Ice Fish, Neosalanx tangkahkeii (Osmeriformes, Salangidae)

The icefish Neosalanx tangkahkeii is an endemic species in East Asia. It has a wide range of distribution in Chinese waters including coastal waters, inland lakes, and outflowing rivers south of the Yangtze River and its delta. In order to maintain stable high production of salangids, fertilized eggs from native or introduced populations of icefish were frequently introduced to various types of water throughout China mainland except for Tibet Plantae. The genetic diversity and molecular invasive mechanism are urgently needed for both native and invasive populations. Present investigation details 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci and 12 to 26 alleles per locus denoted. Whereas, d expected and observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.902 to 0.972 and 0.750 to 0.958, respectively. Moreover, the polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.869 to 0.949. The cross-species amplification and applicability were also evaluated on Protosalanx chinensis, Neosalanx anderssoni, Neosalanx argentea and Neosalanx oligodontis, and 6-7 loci were amplified in these species. The outcome of the present investigation would be useful in understanding genetic diversity, gene flow and the population structure of this species in the future.