Genetic diversity and population structure of Terapon jarbua (Forskål, 1775) (Teleostei, Terapontidae) in Malaysian waters

Abstract

A background study is important for the conservation and stock management of a species. Terapon jarbua is a coastal Indo-Pacific species, sourced for human consumption. This study examined 134 samples from the central west and east coasts of Peninsular (West) Malaysia and East Malaysia. A 1446-bp concatenated dataset of mtDNA COI and Cyt b sequences was used in this study and 83 haplotypes were identified, of which 79 are unique haplotypes and four are shared haplotypes. Populations of T. jarbua in Malaysia are genetically heterogenous as shown by the high level of haplotype diversity ranging from 0.9167–0.9952, low nucleotide diversity ranging from 0.0288–0.3434, and high FST values (within population genetic variation). Population genetic structuring is not distinct as shown by the shared haplotypes between geographic populations and mixtures of haplotypes from different populations within the same genetic cluster. The gene flow patterns and population structuring observed among these regions are likely attributed to geographical distance, past historical events, allopatric speciation, dispersal ability and water currents. For instance, the mixture of haplotypes revealed an extraordinary migration ability of T. jarbua (>1200 km) via ancient river connectivity. The negative overall value of the neutrality test and a non-significant mismatch distribution are consistent with demographic expansion(s) in the past. The median-joining network concurred with the maximum likelihood haplotype tree with three major clades resolved. The scarcity of information on this species is an obstacle for future management and conservation purposes. Hence, this study aims to contribute information on the population structure, genetic diversity, and historical demography of T. jarbua in Malaysia.

Mitochondrial variation of wild populations of two brackish ricefish (Teleostei: Beloniformes) in Thailand

“…However, a significant negative value was not supported by either the D or Fs tests. The current results for Javanese group 1 were similar to findings reported for some populations of Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua) from Malaysian waters (Chanthran et al, 2020) and shortfin silverside (Chirostoma humboltianum) in Central México (García-Martínez et al, 2015). In addition, the results of the D and Fs tests for Javanese ricefish group 1 and the Indian ricefish groups were similar to those reported for crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) fish populations in the Colombian Caribbean (Caiafa-Hernández et al, 2018).…”

Assessment of Genetic Diversity, Gene Flow and Demographic History of Frigate Tuna (Auxis thazard) Populations in Tanzanian Marine Waters Using Mitochondrial DNA Control Region

“…This is likely due to rapid demographic expansion of the current population from a small effective population size. This is observed if there is sufficient time for the number of haplotypes to increase through mutation but insufficient time for accumulation of large sequence differences" [ 0] The results of the present study are similar to the results obtained in Terapon jarbua by [21] and [22] who found high haplotype diversity ranging from 0.86 to 1.0 [21] and 0.99 [22]. However, the findings of the present study do not agree with [23] who reported relatively low genetic diversities ranging from 0.216 to 0.698.…”

Intraspecific Genetic Distance and Phylogenetic Evolution of Schizothorax Plagiostomus Inferred from Mitochondrial D-Loop Sequences

“…In this study, a relatively high haplotype diversity (0.961) and low nucleotide diversity (0.013) were observed. The combination of high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity also reported from previous studies [45,46,47,48]. This is likely due to rapid demographic expansion from a small effective population size [49,50].…”