Genetic differentiation in Chilean hake Merluccius gayi gayi (Pisces: Merlucciidae)

The genetic structure of Chilean hake Merluccius gayi gayi, was analyzed using starch gel protein electrophoresis. Samples were collected from four localities along the coast off Chile. A total of 1500 specimens sampled from Coquimbo, San Antonio, Talcahuano and Puerto Montt were used in the study. Genetic information was obtained for six allozyme loci Pgi-1, Pgi-2, Pgm, Idh-1, Idh-2 and Aat. The results of the analysis showed no significant allelic differences among samples from various localities, with an average FST value of 0.007 for all loci and samples. A heterogeneity test for all loci and specimens from the four localities showed only two significant values. Thus, Chilean hake populations along the coast of Chile appear to be genetically homogeneous.