Genetic characterization of Golden mahseer (Tor putitora) populations using mitochondrial DNA markers

Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) is an economically important fish of India and Southeast Asia. The present study examined the genetic variations between seven geographically isolated populations of T. putitora using Cyt b (Cytochrome b) and ATPase6/8 gene sequences of mitochondrial DNA. Analysis of 133 sequences of Cyt b (1141 bp) and 130 sequences of ATPase6/8 gene (842 bp) revealed 47 and 44 haplotypes, respectively. The estimated haplotype and nucleotide diversity was high in River Jia Bhoreli (Bhalukpong) population (h = 1.00000, π = 0.007121 for Cyt b and h = 0.90441 π = 0.004867 for ATPase6/8). Results of AMOVA indicated that majority of the genetic variations in both genes were due to variation among populations (60.79% for Cyt b and 51.41% for ATPase6/8 gene). The pairwise F(ST) comparison and neighbor-joining tree revealed high genetic divergence of River Jia Bhoreli population from other populations. The understanding of genetic variations of T. putitora populations will play a key role in conservation and management of this endangered fish species.