Biochemical population genetics of the black mussel Choromytilus meridionalis

Abstract

Gene products of nine loci were examined by horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis in five samples of black mussels, Choromytilus meridionalis, from the south-western Cape coast. Allelic frequency variation for four polymorphic proteins suggests no racial differences between west and south coast populations. Mean heterozygosity (H) showed a non-significant increase from south to west coast populations. The duration of the pelagic larval stage and currents may both contribute to long-distance larval recruitment, although gene flow between neighbouring populations may be more important.