Genetic variation of Mahseer Tor spp. in Pahang National Park using cytochrome b mtDNA gene based on phylogenetic analysis - a research framework

Mahseer being the most important freshwater fish that contributes to the major fisheries activity of the rivers in the world. In Malaysia, Mahseer is an important indigenous freshwater fish because of their market value. However, the number of this freshwater fish declining from day to day due to the human activity and environment destruction. In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which is cytochrome b gene was used to examine the genetic variation between four populations of Mahseer Tor spp. In total, forty-four individuals Mahseer were sampled from kelah sanctuary (n=22), Keniam River (n=1), Sat River (n=7) and Sepia River (n= 14) at Pahang National Park. Neighbor-joining as well as maximum-parsimony methods were used to analyze the phylogenetic relationships between Mahseer tor spp. The continuation of study based on the findings should be taken in order to start proper management as well as conservation of this valuable fish.