Interspecific Genetic Divergence in Sciaenids from Japan and Its Adjacent Waters

Abstract

Genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships among Nibea mitsukurii, Nibea albiflora, Pennahia argentata, Argyrosomus japonicus, Atrobucca nibe and Larimichthys crocea were investigated by examining the electrophoretic patterns of 14 enzymes. The allele frequencies of 21 loci were estimated to calculate the genetic distances (D). The average D value among the sciaenid species increased in proportion to the level of taxonomic category. Relationships estimat-ed by genetic markers well accorded with those estimated by morphological characters. The 6 sciaenid species were clearly divided into two distinct groups at a D value of 1.41.