Genetic diversity in the Indian population of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) as revealed by mtDNA sequence analysis

Genetic diversity in the Indian population of the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon was determined by using partial sequence data of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (D-loop) and the 16S rRNA gene. Eight populations from diierent geographical locations (Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, Kakinada, Gopalpur, Chilika, Paradeep and Andaman) were collected and analysed. The ampli¢ed polymerase chain reaction products of size 577 bp for the control region and 472 bp for 16S rRNA were sequenced in both directions and data were analysed through CLUSTAL, ARLEQUIN, MEGA and PHYLIP. A signi¢cant genetic structure was found among the Indian populations. The mtDNA control region proved to be a powerful marker in comparison with 16S rRNA for population studies of this species. The east coast population was more genetically diverse than the west coast. The Andaman population was found to be the most diverse among all the populations. The populations on the west coast were found to be genetically more structured and diierentiated than the populations on the east coast. The results revealed a high level of genetic diversity and also distinct population structuring of P. monodon, suggesting great possibilities of genetic improvement for growth and other economic traits.