Abstract
Although microsatellites are the most popular molecular markers for population genetic studies, only a few loci have been characterized for sponges (Porifera). In the present work, we describe the isolation and characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci from an enriched library of the marine calcareous sponge Clathrina aurea. This species is considered endemic to Brazil, where it is widely distributed. However, it was recently found in Peruvian waters. Seven loci were tested in 30 individuals of one population in southeastern Brazil (Cabo Frio). The number of alleles ranged from 5 to 18 (average 12.3 ± 3.9). The species presented high average values of observed and expected heterozygosities: 0.672 ± 0.25 and 0.837 ± 0.08, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium between all pairs of loci was found, but two loci in this population showed a significant excess of homozygotes. This is the second set of loci ever characterized for a calcareous sponge. These loci will be useful for population genetics studies among Brazilian populations, to elucidate the possible introduction of this species in the Pacific Ocean and to analyze other still poorly investigated issues in sponges.
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