The Identification of a Novel, High Frequency Variant in the Cytochrome b Gene in an Isolated Population of a Rare Fish, Spined Loach &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cobitis taenia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, in England: A Population Worth Protecting?

K Tannahill,P Robotham,C Tobin,R Rahbari,I D Nicholl

doi:10.4236/oje.2017.73014

Abstract

The spined loach Cobitis taenia, is listed as a protected species under Appendix 3 of the Bern Convention and Annex II of the European Council Directive (92/43/EEC) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. It is desirable therefore to understand the genetic diversity within European populations. In a molecular genetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene in Cobitis taenia from three sites in the upper reaches of the River Trent catchment, a novel high frequency variant was identified which has not been previously reported in any European or Non-European population.

Highlights

Open AccessSpined loach Cobitis taenia L. 1758 is a small bottom dwelling fish that is generally found in areas of shallow, slow-flowing water and displays a preference for fine sandy substrate and patchy, dense macrophytic vegetation.Having a relatively short lifespan of only 3 to 4 years [1], the species relies heavily on annual recruitment to maintain populations
This study examined variation in the cytochrome b sequence to assess the extent of genetic diversity on a small geographical scale
The complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified and sequenced in forward and reverse directions from 66 samples collected from three locations in the upper reaches of the River Trent catchment (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Open AccessSpined loach Cobitis taenia L. 1758 is a small (up to ~10 cm) bottom dwelling fish that is generally found in areas of shallow, slow-flowing water and displays a preference for fine sandy substrate and patchy, dense macrophytic vegetation.Having a relatively short lifespan of only 3 to 4 years [1], the species relies heavily on annual recruitment to maintain populations. Along with the patchy distribution of suitable habitat, restricts the distribution of the species and potentially isolates populations. R. Rahbari et al 194 help to establish historical genetic lineage and geographical distribution of a species [2] [3]. Rahbari et al 194 help to establish historical genetic lineage and geographical distribution of a species [2] [3] This information is vital to gain an understanding of taxonomic diversity and, in conjunction with ecological considerations, form conservation management strategies for rare or threatened species [4]. Genetic diversity can be considered within two different contexts: diversity within populations such as genetic drift, selection or inbreeding, or diversity among populations reflecting geographical structuring, with variation among populations due to local selection or adaptation, and to reduced gene flow or isolation

Methods

Results

Conclusion