A mitochondrial DNA PCR–RFLP marker for population studies of the black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo)

Abstract

Abstract Black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo), a commercially valuable marine fish off Portugal and the Madeira Archipelago, was surveyed for mitochondrial DNA variation of part of the cytochrome b gene. In all, 51 fish from three Northeast Atlantic localities were examined using ten restriction enzymes. Overall nucleon diversity was 0.180. Genetic differentiation (θ=0.25) was significant; the Madeira Archipelago sample was distinguishable from samples from the other two localities. The approach should be useful for a more extensive study of black scabbardfish populations.