Analysis of the genetic structure of Mullet (Mugil cephalus) along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt using microsatellites DNA markers

Mohamed E. Megahed

National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Gulfs of Suez & Aqaba's Branch, Attaka, Suez, P.O. Box.: 182, Postal code: 43511, Egypt. aquageimprove@gmail.com

The gray mullet, Mugil cephalus is an important commercial marine fish species for aquaculture in Egypt. In this study, the genetic structure of the M. cephalus was investigated across 10 sampling sites along approximately 1,050 km of the Egypt Mediterranean coastline. Using 11 polymorphic microsatellites loci, no significant genetic structure was detected (FST < zero), despite high genetic diversity providing sufficient power to detect structure. Overall, genetic structure for M. cephalus is similar to that of many marine species, which also show panmixia along this section of the Egypt Mediterranean coast. Conservation of this species in Egypt should focus on ensuring freshwater-marine migration is not diminished.

Keywords: Egypt coast; Mugil cephalus; microsatellites; Population genetic structure