Document of bibliographic reference 37886

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Spatial and temporal genetic patterns of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has a panafrican distribution from north of the Orange River (South Africa) up to the Mediterranean coast, including Asia Minor. It is well adapted to a variety of riverine and lacustrine habitats, tolerates brackish water, which facilitates coastal dispersal, is omnivorous and highly mobile. The broad range genetic variation (phylogeography) changes gradually but points to two major clusters on the basis of mitochondrial DNA variation: a Nilotic-Asian-Westafrican group and a Kenyan-Southafrican group. The Kenyan population seems to be the most related to the ancestral type although this has not been detected yet in our samples. The short- range genetic variation with- in river basins, studied on the basis of microsatellite DNA variation, points to a highly mobile life style; movements oftens of kilometers may be considered normal. Overal1 allozyme genetic variation is high. Molecular clock calculations on the basis of mitochondrial DNA and allozymes point to an ancestral Clarias gariepinus living 2 to 3 million year ago (Late Pliocene -Early Quaternary). Fossil material of the genus Clarias has been described from the Miocene. This points to a genus of old descent with limited genetic radiation during the Late Quaternary.

Bibliographic citation

Volckaert, F.A.M.J.; Arndt, A.; Galbusera, P.; Hellemans, B.; Van Houdt, L.; Ollevier, F.P. (1998). Spatial and temporal genetic patterns of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Biol. Jb. Dodonaea 65: 204-205

location created

Naamsestraat 59

Topic

Fresh water

Brakish water