Study on population genetics of Sillago aeolus (Perciformes: Sillaginidae) in the Coast of China

Abstract Sillago aeolus is a species from Sillaginidae, which is a widely distributed species with important scientific and economic value in the coast of China. Its population genetics have not been studied. This study investigated the population genetics of S. aeolus in the eastern and southern coast of China based on the mitochondrial control region markers obtained from 248 individuals of 9 locations. The population was characterized by a high population diversity with a low nucleotide diversity. There were no branches corresponding to the sampling sites according to the haplotype network and NJ tree. Recent asymmetric gene flow exchanges and significant genetic differences were detected between the Haikou population and the other populations. AMOVA result indicated slight genetic structures with homogeneity suggested. The neutral test and the mismatch distribution revealed a recent population expansion event. Historical geographic events may be the reason for the homogeneity within the population.