Genetic diversity of the flathead flounder Hippoglossoides dubius population in Funka Bay inferred from mitochondrial DNA analysis

Abstract

The flathead flounder Hippoglossoides dubius population in Funka Bay, characterized by unique ecological features, has been thought to be demographically independent of other conspecific populations. To clarify such, sequence data of the hyper variable domain in the mitochondrial DNA control region was collected from the Funka Bay population and the genetic diversity compared with previously published data for other populations (Sea of Japan and northwestern Pacific off Tohoku–Hokkaido). Because the level of diversity of the former population differed little from that of other populations, with no significant genetic differentiation detected, it is likely that contemporary or recent historical gene flow has occurred extensively in Japanese coastal waters. The likelihood of gene flow and connectivity among the populations, all characterized by long pelagic egg and larval stages, being associated with the Tsugaru Warm Current is considered.