Transferrin variation in the longnose sucker, Catostomus catostomus, from the Yukon and Mackenzie Rivers

Abstract

Transferrin variation is described in longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus from the Yukon and Mackenzie Rivers. A total of six allelic variants were scored, one of which was not observed within the Yukon sample. Significant heterogeneity of allele frequency was observed. The data suggest that the two populations derive from suckers inhabiting the Beringian and Mississippian refugia during the Pleistocene glacial periods. Transferrin may be useful for delineating postglacial dispersal patterns of the longnose sucker in northwest North America.