Gene flow of Acanthaster planci (L.) in relation to ocean currents revealed by microsatellite analysis.

摘要: Population outbreaks of the coral-eating starfish, Acanthaster planci, are hypothesized to spread many localities in Indo-Pacific Ocean through dispersal planktonic larvae. To elucidate gene flow A. planci across relation ocean currents and test larval hypothesis, genetic structure among 23 samples over was analysed using seven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. The F-statistics admixture analysis detected genetically distinct groups accordance with current systems, that is, Southeast African group (Kenya Mayotte), Northwestern Pacific (the Philippines Japan), Palau, North Central (Majuro Pohnpei), Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, French Polynesia, a large break between Indian Oceans. A pattern significant isolation by distance observed all (P = 0.001, r 0.88, n 253, Mantel test), indicating restricted geographical distances. data also indicated strong within African, Pacific, Reef groups. These results suggest western boundary have influence on this species may trigger secondary outbreaks.