Characterisation of novel microsatellite markers for the surf clams Paphies subtriangulata and P. australis (Bivalvia: Mesodesmatidae)

Abstract

Tuatua (Paphies subtriangulata) and pipi (P. australis) are endemic New Zealand surf clams. The genetic stock structure of these species is unknown, but such knowledge is required for sustainable fishery management. Eleven and fourteen novel microsatellite markers were developed for P. subtriangulata and P. australis, respectively. Markers were screened for polymorphism across 50 individuals from five locations for each species. For P. subtriangulata the number of alleles ranged from 4 to 13, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 to 0.62, expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.19 to 0.83, and two loci were found to deviate from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) expectations. For P. australis the number of alleles ranged from 5 to 19, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.20 to 0.70, expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.89, and eight loci were found to deviate from HWE expectations. These markers will be useful for further investigations of genetic structure and connectivity in these two species, and for conservation of this important marine resource.