Identification and characterization of microsatellites loci in Brycon opalinus (Cuvier, 1819) (Characiforme, Characidae, Bryconiae)

Brycon species are present in various basins in Brazil and were or still are part of commercial fisheries and aquaculture activities (Ferreira et al. 1996, Mendonca 1994). Despite the importance of this group of fish, natural populations of some Brycon species are endangered (Lins et al. 1997). Here, we describe the characterization of seven microsatellite loci that will be useful for the genetic studies in natural and captive populations for these and other species of Brycon.