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Current research projects
Populations’ genetic structure and multiple
paternity events in Halobatrachus didactylus (Batrachoididae)
Halobatrachus didactylus (Batrachoididae) is a
demersal fish, having low fecundity, benthic eggs and direct
development, which contribute to limit its dispersal. On the
other hand, since two male morphotypes with different reproductive
strategies occur, events of multiple paternity are expected.
To our knowledge, population studies on batrachoidids, using
high-resolution molecular markers (i.e., mitochondrial DNA
and microsatellites), have not been undertaken before.
The present investigation focuses on two main themes:
1 – Comparative study of H. didactylus populations;
for this purpose, phylogeographic analysis of several populations
will be performed (Tejo, Sado and Mira estuaries, Ria Formosa,
Morocco and Mauritania), using, at least, one nuclear marker
(S7) and one mitochondrial marker (d-loop).
2 – Quantification of the amount of genetic contribution
from each male morphotype to the next generation; in this
regard, paternity studies in selected nests, belonging to
different populations will be undertaken, using microsatellite
techniques.
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