Cross amplification of microsatellites in two haemulid species (Haemulon aurolineatum and Haemulon steindachneri)

Abstract

Genetic-population studies in marine fish have allowed to study patterns of dispersal and connectivity between habitats. One
important tool in population genetics is the use of microsatellite molecular markers. Cross-amplification of microsatellite is a
method that consists in using primers designed for one species in a different one but phylogenetically related. Because of the
importance of genetic studies of populations in artisanal fisheries species, primers were evaluated and designed for the species Haemulon aurolineatum and Haemulon steindachneri. Samples were collected from the artisanal fisheries in Barú-Colombia. Amplification was standardized for 12 microsatellites which ten were polymorphic for H. aurolineatum and nine for H. steindachneri. It is considered that the primers implemented in this study are useful for future studies of gene flow in these species.