Genetic relationship between Clarias anguillaris and Heterobranchus bidorsalis from three ecological zones in Nigeria

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationship among Clariidae species (Teleostei, Siluriformes) from different ecological zones in Nigeria were assessed using Histone 3 gene promoter. Two different species from two different genera were examined, namely, Clarias anguillaris and Heterobranchus bidorsalis. The result showed that the species have a common ancestor though the distance in relationship revealed variations among them. There were also variations in the sites of the nucleotides in the different strains. Estimated genetic distances between populations were directly correlated with geographical distances. The phylogenetic tree showed four clusters, Clarias anguillaris from Maiduguri and India formed a separate cluster supported with a bootstrap value of 35%. Clarias anguillaris from Onitsha, Kainji and Yola formed a separate cohesive cluster with 71% bootstrap. Maiduguri Heterobranchus bidorsalis clustered with Clarias batrachus from India, while, Heterobranchus bidorsalis from Kainji formed an independent group. Genetic variation of C. anguillaris is a useful trait for developing a good management strategy for maintaining the genetic quality of the species.