Genetic structure of the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) across the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea by microsatellite DNA variation: implications for the division of management units

The small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis, is a commercial fish of the order Perciformes that mainly inhabit estuaries and coastal waters.In recent years, the resources and catch of L. polyactis have undergone huge fluctuations. To detect genetic variations caused by the fluctuation of resources, genetic diversity of L. polyactis in the coastal waters of China were analyzed in this study using microsatellite DNA marker. The results revealed high genetic diversity of this species. The STRUCTURE, DAPC and F(ST) results all indicated that there was no genetic structure consistent with the distribution pattern. Overall, our main findings are in agreement with previous studies, indicating that L. polyactis showed high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation. Our results for high genetic connectivity among L. polyactis localities provide insights into the development of management strategies, that is, to manage this species as a single management unit.