Development of DNA Microsatellite Loci in Chinese Carps and Application to Detection of Hybridization in Broodstock

Microsatellite DNA loci have been developed from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) DNA for use in broodstock management and research. Here we describe how three of these loci (Hmo1, Hmo 3 and Hmo11) can be used to distinguish between silver carp and bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis). These loci are being used in the analysis of samples collected from hatcheries in different regions of Bangladesh, in parallel with a survey of broodstock management practices. Analysis of samples from two of the hatchery areas revealed a fairly low proportion of hybrid genotypes among broodstock: this included fish which were identified as silver and bighead carp by the hatcheries. The genetic analysis suggested that while some of these fish might be F1 hybrids, others had more complex genotypes suggesting further generations of hybridization or introgression between the species. The study