Mesoscale investigations based on microsatellite analysis of the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis in the River-Sieg system (Germany) reveal a genetic divergence

Abstract

Freshwater sponges play a major role in freshwater ecological system as important filter-feeding organisms and bioindicators. There are only few data about their ecological diversity and population genetic structure available, though a deeper knowledge is needed to propose proper conservation and effective management. The aim of this study was to assess data on distribution patterns of freshwater sponges to study the connectivity of genotypes of Ephydatia fluviatilis in a river system. We sampled specimens from River-Sieg system (River Agger and River Sieg, Germany). We hypothesized that strong anthropogenic influence would cause a uniform distribution of population structures. The genetic structure of E. fluviatilis populations was analysed with a set of eleven microsatellite loci from seven locations in River-Sieg system. Besides of E. fluviatilis, three other species co-occurred (Ephydatia mulleri, Spongilla lacustris, Eunapius fragilis). In contrast to our hypothesis, we observed an overall correlation between genetic and geographic distances among populations of this sessile species, which follows a clear isolation-by-distance pattern. A significant microsatellite polymorphism and high levels of genetic divergence between populations (FST) in upstream reaches were present. These results will provide important information for conservation management of populations with limited dispersal ability in connected river systems.