Genetic Diversity of Boeseman's Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia Boesemani) Reared in Indonesian Farms Compared to Endangered Natural Populations

Abstract

Endemic to two lakes (Ayamaru and Uter) of West Papua (Indonesia), the Boeseman´s Rainbowfish Melanotaenia boesemani Allen & Cross, 1980 is a very popular ornamental freshwater fish. As a result, this rainbowfish species faces great threats and is on the red list of endangered species. Therefore, rearing of this species in aquaculture systems appears to be a promising solution to limit capture of wild specimens and prevent its extinction. Although its reproduction cycle has been controlled for more than 30 years, very few farms still raise M. boesmani , probably due to the problems reported by the farmers, such as decline of production, higher proportion of females per spawning, loss of coloration, lower growth rate and fecundity. Using 12 microsatellites previously developed for this species, comparison of genotypes within six farms around Jakarta indicated that all reared strains originated from Ayamaru Lake. No deficit in heterozygotes was evidenced, suggesting that there was no major inbreeding in these reared populations. Genotype analysis also suggested that M. boesemani species is a metapopulation composed of genetically differentiated populations. Altogether, these results indicate that the problems experienced by the farmers are due not to inbreeding depression but to other factors such as inadequate management and/or poor water quality. Yet, increasing aquaculture production is probably the most effective way to alleviate the pressure that M. boesemani faces in its natural environment.

Genetic and morphological divergences between wild and captive-bred populations ofSalmo trutta abanticus

“…Nugraha et al. () reported genetic differentiation based on unique private allele between cultivated and naturally isolated wild‐Rainbowfish populations. Therefore, higher relatedness values can lead to further inbreeding and a reduction in genetic variation for the next generations of Maçka captive‐bred population.…”

“…entiation might be represented by unique private allele distribution Nugraha et al (2015). reported genetic differentiation based on unique private allele between cultivated and naturally isolated wild-Rainbowfish populations.…”

Where are they all from? – sources and sustainability in the ornamental freshwater fish trade

“…Such overexploitation quickly brought this species to the verge of extinction in its natural habitat. Consequently, this species was included on the IUCN Red List of endangered species (Allen, 1996) and only farmed animals are now permitted to be exported (Nugraha et al, 2015). Melanotaenia boesemani has however, been domesticated and produced in Indonesian fish farms since 1983 (Nugraha et al, 2015).…”

“…Consequently, this species was included on the IUCN Red List of endangered species (Allen, 1996) and only farmed animals are now permitted to be exported (Nugraha et al, 2015). Melanotaenia boesemani has however, been domesticated and produced in Indonesian fish farms since 1983 (Nugraha et al, 2015). Visits in 2013 suggest that the population in Lake Uter is stable and apparently healthy, but the Ayamaru lakes have been devastated through the introduction non-native fish species and by pollution, hence fish populations are severely threatened (Evers, 2014).…”

Fish Diversity and Water Quality of Ayamaru Lake, West Papua

“…Some of the ornamental fish are endemic species. The Boeseman´s Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani Allen & Cross, 1980), a prevalent ornamental freshwater fish inhabits in Ayamaru Lake [5]. The rainbow fish (Melanotaenia ajamaruensis, M. boesemani, and M. fasinensis) face significant threats and decrease.…”