Application of microsatellite DNA variation in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti) and sterlet Acipenser ruthenus cultured in a Polish fish farm.

Abstract

Six microsatellite loci were used to examine the genetic variability of Russian sturgeon and sterlet cultured in a Polish fish farm. Within 47 individuals of Russian sturgeon and 35 individuals of sterlet, a total of 113 alleles were detected in six polymorphic microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 9 to 23 in Russian sturgeon and 3–8 in sterlet. The genetic diversity of six microsatellite loci varied from 0.404 to 0.880 in Russian sturgeon and from 0.515 to 0.971 in sterlet. Microsatellite analysis has a great potential for aquaculture of sturgeon fishes, especially when levels of genetic variation could be monitored and inbreeding controlled in commercial breeding programs.