First results on the genetic diversity of the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in Europe using novel microsatellite loci.

E Froufe,L Edsman,A Teixeira,L Filipová,S Varandas,R Sousa,M Lopes-Lima,A Petrusek

doi:10.1007/s13353-015-0272-y

Abstract

The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activities (e.g. aquaculture, recreational and commercial fisheries). The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is one of the most widespread invasive species in Europe. Although several important ecological and economic impacts of this species have been reported, its European population genetic characterisation has never been undertaken using nuclear markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and characterise new microsatellite markers for signal crayfish that can be useful in future studies in its invaded range, since only five are available so far. In total, 93 individuals from four geographically distinct European populations (Portugal, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden) were scored for the new markers and for those previously described, with the Bayesian analysis revealing a clear distinction among populations. These markers are suitable for future studies of the population genetic structure of this important invasive species, by increasing information about the possible pathways of introduction and dispersal, and by giving insights about the most important vectors of introduction.

Highlights

The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is native to North America and is one of the most widespread non-native crayfish in European aquatic ecosystems (Kouba et al 2014)
From the 30 pairs of primers tested, seven loci were successfully combined in two multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactions (Table 1) and yielded very clear and balanced electrophoresis profiles that matched the peaks obtained from single-locus PCRs
Our study considerably increases the number of available microsatellites markers needed for studying the population genetic structure of P. leniusculus

Summary

Introduction

The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is native to North America and is one of the most widespread non-native crayfish in European aquatic ecosystems (Kouba et al 2014). Starting in 1960, the species was introduced to open waters in Sweden to replace lost populations of the native noble crayfish, Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758), which had been severely depleted by the crayfish plague (Alderman 1996). In subsequent decades, it has invaded 29 territories, mostly due to intentional introductions (Kouba et al 2014). Signal crayfish can function as an ecosystem engineer, being responsible for important physical changes in the invaded habitat, mainly as a result of bioturbation activities (Harvey et al 2014)

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