Genetic characteristics of yellow seabream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn, 1782) (Teleostei: Sparidae) after stock enhancement in southeastern China coastal waters

Yellowfin seabream is an important economic fish that widely distributed in the East and South China seas. Many attempts to enhance stocks of yellowfin have occurred China, but a lack genetic information for this species after stock release represents obstacle its management conservation. To provide scientific guidance sustainable germplasm resource development, we sequence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) 123 from 6 sample populations (Xiamen, Dongshan I, II, Yangjiang, Fangchenggang, Beibu Gulf). Populations both wild cultured high diversity, which relate their breeding habits growth rate. A neighbor-joining tree CR haplotypes reveals no specific phylogenetic structure corresponding location capture. Both neutral test nucleotide mismatch distribution analyses suggest experienced population expansion events. Pleistocene glacial periods recent releases played roles formation present-day phylogeographical patterns. Our study provides baseline will assist future research on structure, historical demography southeast coastal waters. The use exotic seeds should be avoided release, relevant follow-up surveys monitoring undertaken clarify impact seed populations.