Genetic Structure and Systematics of Smallmouth Bass, with Emphasis on Interior Highlands Populations

Abstract

We conducted an allozyme survey of genetic variation at 33 gene loci in smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu from 57 localities encompassing most of the range of the species, but with an emphasis (51 samples) on the Interior Highlands (Ozark and Ouachita uplands). Samples exhibited a moderate amount of total genic diversity (H T ϭ 0.068), but high genetic heterogenity (F ST ϭ 0.383). Phylogenetic analyses supported recognition of three clades from the Interior Highlands: (1) the previously recognized Neosho smallmouth bass in Ozark tributaries of the middle Arkansas River; (2) the Ouachita smallmouth bass in the Little and Ouachita river drainages of the Ouachita Highlands; and (3) a clade that included populations from the White, Black, Missouri, and other streams in the northern and eastern Ozarks. This third clade was very similar to populations from the Ohio and upper Mississippi river basins, and, on the basis of allele frequency parsimony, more closely related to them than to the Neosho and Ouachita smallmouth basses. To preserve genetic diversity and the options that divergent native stocks represent for future management, stock transfers of smallmouth bass should take into account potential effects on native forms of the species.

Conservation of Black Bass Diversity: An Emerging Management Paradigm

“…Recently, there has been increased interest in the patterns of intraspecific diversity within black bass taxa, including clinal variation and local adaptation (Shaw ). Molecular studies have revealed appreciable genetic structure within the native ranges of widespread forms like Smallmouth Bass (Stark and Echelle ; Stepien et al. ) and narrowly distributed forms like Florida Bass, Suwannee Bass, and Shoal Bass (Barthel et al.…”

“…). Unique genetic lineages of Smallmouth Bass that occur in this region (Stark and Echelle ) appear to be highly adapted to natural flow regimes (Brewer and Long ). Because recruitment of riverine Smallmouth Bass is strongly dependent on growth and the flow regime during the first year of life (Schlosser ; Lukas and Orth ; Smith et al.…”

“… We adopt the subspecies designation of Neosho Smallmouth Bass ( Micropterus dolomieu velox ; Hubbs and Bailey ), as supported by subsequent genetic work of Stark and Echelle (). Near and Koppelman () suggested that a natural intergradation zone into the nominal M. dolomieu form invalidated the subspecies‐level distinction; however, no contemporary evaluation of the taxonomic validity of the subspecies has been conducted. …”

Challenges in merging fisheries research and management: the Upper Mississippi River experience

“…Another important research gap is placing the status of fish populations in the context of their life-history needs, recruitment, and evolution (Conover & Munch, 2002). We currently do not understand the degree of genetic differentiation within most fish species in the UMRS, with the exception of a few species including the shovelnose sturgeon (Schrey et al, 2009) and smallmouth bass (Stark & Echelle, 1998); the spatial and temporal scale of relevant evolutionary processes is currently unknown. For example, we do not understand how factors such as harvest and lock and dam ''barriers'' of the UMRS affect genetic structure of fish populations.…”

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu (Teleostei: Centrarchidae), and cross‐species amplification in spotted bass, M. punctulatus

“…They have high economic importance in these areas as game fish, which has resulted in extensive introduction of species and within‐species stocks outside their native ranges. Allozyme data indicated that most of the genetic diversity within smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu , is centred in the Interior Highlands region of North America and that populations in the remainder of the native range of the species, northward into Canada and eastward into the Eastern Highlands, contributed little to the genetic diversity of the species ( Stark & Echelle 1998). Recent introductions of non‐native M. dolomieu into reservoirs in the Interior Highlands region have created the need for multiple intraspecific markers to assess effects of introductions on native populations.…”