Abstract
Abstract Fourteen novel microsatellite loci are described and characterized in two species of electric eels, Electrophorus variiand E. voltaifrom floodplains and rivers of the Amazon rainforest. These loci are polymorphic, highly informative, and have the capacity to detect reliable levels of genetic diversity. Likewise, the high combined probability of paternity exclusion value and low combined probability of genetic identity value obtained demonstrate that the new set of loci displays suitability for paternity studies on electric eels. In addition, the cross-amplification of electric eel species implies that it may also be useful in the study of the closely related E. electricus, and to other Neotropical electric fishes (Gymnotiformes) species as tested herein.
Highlights
Electric eels (Electrophorus Gill, 1864) share with other species of Neotropical electric fishes (Gymnotiformes) a specialized electrogenic-electrosensory system used to navigate, and communication (Crampton, 2019)
This study aims to develop candidate microsatellite loci to accurately access genetic diversity and help in future studies of population genetics of electric eels
We have verified that all 14 primers pairs, developed for Electrophorus varii, satisfactorily amplify for E. voltai
Summary
Electric eels (Electrophorus Gill, 1864) share with other species of Neotropical electric fishes (Gymnotiformes) a specialized electrogenic-electrosensory system used to navigate, and communication (Crampton, 2019). Electric eels captivate minds, inspire scientific innovation, like the electric battery, which has been used as a model for understanding bioelectrogenesis (Finger, Piccolino, 2011; Gallant et al, 2014). The new finds offer an opportunity to study the genetics of populations of those distinct ecological and unique animals by characterizing their genetic variation, within and between populations, and the forces that affect their frequencies, such as migration, mutation, selection, and genetic drift. An excellent way to study the genetic composition of natural fish populations is by using molecular markers, which are powerful tools for quantifying genetic variation in individuals and populations, contributing to the management and conservation of species (Allendorf et al, 2010). The population genetic analysis of species in the wild is of paramount importance for elucidating the factors and conditions that allow populations and species to be maintained and in the development of a strategy for its effective management (Moysés et al, 2005)
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