Assessing the genetic diversity of catface grouper Epinephelus andersoni in the subtropical Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

Abstract Epinephelus andersoni is a range-restricted species that is endemic to the south-east coast of Africa from Quissico in Mozambique to Knysna in South Africa. The species is an important commercial and recreational linefish species that is currently considered to be optimally exploited although there have been some signs of depletion within its range. This is likely because of its complex life-history including diandric protogyny and high residency, which make it potentially vulnerable to over-exploitation. This study analysed the genetic structure and diversity of E. andersoni using nuclear (intron 1 S7) and mitochondrial (cyt b) DNA genes for 240 and 269 individuals,respectively, to provide information for fisheries conservation and management. S7-1 allelic diversity was high (0.801) with the AMOVA showing significantly high among group variation (ΦCT\u2009=\u20090.204, p