Multiplexing of novel microsatellite loci for the vulnerable slipper lobster Scyllarus arctus (Linnaeus, 1758).

The marine slipper lobster Scyllarus arctus represents an important economic resource in the NE Atlantic, and in some regions it has been severely exploited for decades. Even so, the basic aspects of the biology and ecology of S. arctus remain largely unknown and there is very little information available for the species, especially in terms of stock assessment and population dynamics. The aim of this study was to develop novel microsatellite markers using 454 sequencing for the slipper lobster S. arctus. Ten novel loci were described and amplified in 114 individuals using 3 multiplex reactions. Overall, microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic, and the number of detected alleles per locus across all individuals ranged from 6 to 29. Conservation strategies in the NE Atlantic region may consider these novel markers to study the population structure of S. arctus throughout its distribution area so that future efforts could be focused on identifying scales of connectivity and preserving stocks that have been severely depleted. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 119–123, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.