Weak genetic structure indicates strong dispersal limits: a tale of two coral reef fish.

ABSTRACT: The extent of dispersal by pelagic larvae in marine environments, including coral reefs, is central for understanding local population dynamics and designing sustainable marine reserves. We present here the first example of a clear stepping-stone genetic structure throughout the Caribbean basin for a common coral reef species, the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum). Analysis of microsatellite DNA markers indicated that French grunt population structure may be characterized by overlapping populations throughout the Caribbean, influenced by independent population dynamics but with no fixed geographical boundaries. In addition, different spatial genetic patterns were found in different oceanographic regions. A second species, the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), has a much longer

SUBMITTER: Purcell JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1560316 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature