Genetic Diversity in Farmed Tiger Grouper Broodstock Inferred by Partial Cytochrome b Gene

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity of a farmed tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus broodstock population located in Tanjung Demong, Terengganu using Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene. A total of 51 broodstock were collected and subjected to DNA extraction. PCR amplification of partial Cyt-b was conducted using a universal Cyt-b primer. The fragments were then purified, sequenced and the genetic relationship among individuals was analyzed. A total of 402 bp length of partial Cyt-b gene was obtained from each sample. Genetic distance among individuals ranged between 0.002 – 0.018. Seven haplotypes were found within the population with 2 haplotypes (Hap01 and Hap02) are commonly shared by most individuals. Phylogenetic analysis showed broodstocks is divided into two major groups. However, 47 individuals were clustered in 1 group with shallow genetic divergence. These findings indicate the tiger grouper broodstock have low genetic diversity and most of the individuals might be originating from a single population. Genetic diversity of mtDNA cyt-b of E. fuscoguttatus would be useful in tiger grouper broodstock management in breeding program for seed production.