| Abstract: | The wide distribution and color variation of grouper make it difficult not only to identify grouper species visually, but also to determine genetic structure of their populations, the latter being important implication for the design of adequate management program. One alternative for gathering information on these species is the use of molecular genetic markers. Here, we identified and characterized eight micmsatellite markers from yellow grouper Epinephelus awoara and bluelined hind grouper Cephalopholis formosa. All these produced consistent polymerase chain reaction product, and seven loci were found to be highly variable. These loci were all composed of dinucleotide repeats, with the number of alleles ranging from 2 to 6, with heterozygosities ranging from 33% to 95% in E. awoara and from 25% to 100% in C. formosa. The high levels of variability observed should make these markers useful for population genetic studies of this two species, and potentially other Epinephelus and Cephalopholis. Such analysis will offer insights to fine-tune conservation and fishery management in the future. |
