Population genetics of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) in the Andaman Sea, Thailand inferred from 12S rDNA and microsatellite polymorphism

Abstract Population genetics of sandfish Holothuria scabra originated from four different locations (Phangnga, Satun, Trang and Krabi) in the Andaman Sea (west of peninsular Thailand) was examined by polymorphism of 12S rDNA sequences and microsatellites. In total, 30 haplotypes of 12S rDNA were observed ( N = 23 , 14, 25 and 27 for respective samples). Limited sequence divergence ( π = 0 .820%) but high haplotype diversity (0.873) were found. θ ST (0.0853) indicated that the female gene pool between Phangnga and Krabi samples was genetically differentiated (P N = 31 , 16, 30 and 42 for respective samples). The average number of alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity within geographic samples ranged from 6.667–10.667 and 0.604–0.699. Significant genetic differentiation was found for overall samples ( F ST = 0 . 081 , P