Tri- and tetra-nucleotide microsatellite DNA markers for the rayed bean freshwater mussel (Villosa fabalis)

Freshwater mussels are one of North America’s most imperiled species, and genetic characterization of these species is essential for recovery planning. The rayed bean (Villosa fabalis) is a small freshwater mussel found in the eastern United States currently listed as endangered. Fifteen microsatellite loci were identified and characterized in sixteen V. fabalis individuals. The number of alleles per locus observed ranged from 3 to 14 and averaged 7.9 alleles per locus. Average observed heterozygosity was 72.8 %. These markers should be useful for V. fabalis population analyses and restoration or recovery programs.