Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity among Farmed Stocks of Oreochromis spp. (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in Madagascar

The fast development of aquaculture over the past decades has made it main source fish protein and led to its integration into global food system. Mostly originating from inland production systems, emerged as strategy decrease malnutrition in low-income countries. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was introduced Madagascar 1950s, is now produced nationally at various scales. Aquaculture mostly relies on fry harvested wild populations grow-out ponds for decades. It recently been diversified by introduction several fast-growing strains. Little known how local genetic diversity compares strains, although high comparable levels have previously observed both stocks. Our study DNA barcode among eight farms strains belonging three species sampled. DNA-based lineage delimitation methods were applied resulted detection six well differentiated highly divergent lineages. A comparison records sequences Barcode Life Data System (BOLD) helped trace origin them. Both haplotype nucleotide indices highlight mitochondrial diversity, with displaying higher than This allows multiple options maintain broodstock provides more selective breeding programs.