Abstract
The Caribbean snapper Lutjanus purpureus is a marine species fish commonly found associated with rocky seabeds and is widely distributed along of Western Atlantic. Data on stock delineation and stock recognition are essential for establishing conservation measures for commercially fished species. However, few studies have investigated the population genetic structure of this economically valuable species, and previous studies (based on only a portion of the mitochondrial DNA) provide an incomplete picture. The present study used a multi-locus approach (12 segments of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) to elucidate the levels of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity of L. purpureus populations and their demographic history. L. purpureus has high levels of genetic diversity, which probably implies in high effective population sizes values for the species. The data show that this species is genetically homogeneous throughout the geographic region analyzed, most likely as a result of dispersal during larval phase. Regarding demographic history, a historical population growth event occurred, likely due to sea level changes during the Pleistocene.
Highlights
Due to the apparent lack of vicariant barriers in marine environments, processes leading to genetic isolation are rare compared to terrestrial continental environments [1]
High levels of genetic variation were observed for the majority of the nuclear regions, as the indices for haplotype and nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.099±0.030 (ANT1)– 0.983±0.002 (S7) and 0.0003±0.0006 (ANT1)– 0.019±0.011 (RPL3), respectively (S1 Table)
Genetic diversity estimators have been widely cited as indicators of adaptability and persistence for natural populations [60]
Summary
Due to the apparent lack of vicariant barriers in marine environments, processes leading to genetic isolation are rare compared to terrestrial continental environments [1]. Inherent reproductive characteristics of many marine species (e.g., pelagic larval duration [PLD], type of egg, spawning location) have been cited as factors that promote high levels of genetic connectivity among populations [2], even those separated by large geographic distances. The species possess an external fertilization process and has a larval pelagic developmental stage [4], which may extend for PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0161617. Lack of Spatial Subdivision for the Snapper Lutjanus purpureus Based on Multi-Locus Analyses The species possess an external fertilization process and has a larval pelagic developmental stage [4], which may extend for PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0161617 August 24, 2016
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
