Genetic variation in Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) along Indian coast using PCR-RFLP analysis of mitochondrial DNA D–Loop region

Abstract

Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares is an epipelagic, oceanic species of family Scombridae, found in tropical and subtropical region of the Pacific, Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. It is a commercially important fish species. In present study, population structure of yellowfin tuna was examined using PCR-RFLP analyses of mitochondrial DNA D-loop region from eight geographically distinct locations along the Indian coast. A 500 bp segment of D-loop region was analysed for 370 yellowfin samples using six restriction enzymes (Alu I, Hae III, Hinf I, Hha I, Msp I and Rsa I), resulting in 14 composite mitotype. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed no significant genetic differentiation among sampling localities (Phi ST = 0.00185; P= 0.327). Thus finding of this study suggests single panmictic population of yellowfin tuna in Indian waters