Molecular and phylogenetic investigation of Chiromantes boulengeri (Decapoda, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) species from Arvand river

In this study, the molecular characteristics of Chiromantes boulengeri were investigated from intertidal waters of Arvand River, Minoo Island in 2014. For this reason, samples from intertidal zones of two areas across Minoo Island were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol, followed by transferring to the laboratory for further examinations. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol- chloroform method and mitochondrial gene 16SrRNA was sequenced and compared with other species from GenBank NCBI. The morphological examinations using identification keys and phylogeny sequence results showed that all specimens belonged to Chiromantes boulengeri in the study area. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there are mutations within C. boulengeri from two areas of Arvand River. It seems that, this species most probably is adapted to the different ecological conditions in this area

Genetics diversity of Aphanius ginaonis and Aphanius dispar in Hormozgan and Bushehr coastal zones respectively using PCRRFLP molecular marker

In this study, two populations of Aphanius ginaonis (Holly, 1929) and Aphanius dispar (Ruppell, 1828) were examined to determine genetic diversity using PCR-RFLP technique. A total of 60 individual specimens were collected from Hormozgan and Bushehr internal waters, comprising two sampling sites; from Geno hot spring (30 individuals of A. ginaonis) and Mir Ahmad hot spring (30 individuals of A. dispar). The D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA (550 bp) was amplified using PCR followed by RFLP analysis based on 5 restriction endonuclease enzymes (AluI, DpnI, Eco47I, HindIII HinfI). In order to undertake data analysis, Arlequin 3.11 was applied. Results at population levels indicated that Geno individuals have more haplotype diversity than Mir Ahmad individuals (9 and 3 haplotypes respectively). However, further investigation using genetic techniques is required to clarify the molecular history and evolution of Aphanius species in this area. Results obtained from this research would be applicable to understand conservation genetics and management of this important fish species in Iran

Genetic characterization of Sillago sp. from Hormozgan coastal waters using microsatellite markers

Using 5 microsatellite loci Sillago sp. From Hormozgan North Persian Gulf were investigated through 68 specimens in two stations: Minab (31 specimens) and Bandar Lengeh (38 specimens). DNA was extracted using modified CTAB (Hexadecyl trimethyl-ammonium bromide) protocol. 5-17 alleles were observed in 5 loci with 8.4 mean allelic frequency. Observed and expected heterozygosity values was calculated (0.115<Ho<0.792), (0.598<He<0.902). Genetic distance and identity according to Nei was estimated 0.520 and 0.595 respectively which shows genetic distance of genus level. Significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.001) was observed at all loci at two stations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of Genetic differentiation index (Fst) revealed mean significant (p=0.001) differentiation between two studied regions and 3.90 gen flow. Despite low distance of two studied regions (180km) there are probably two distinct populations of Sillago sp. which should be considered in management efforts

Reproduction and feeding biology of madagascar meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) from Khuzestan coastal waters

Biological attributes of Madagascar Meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) was studied from October 2008 to September 2009 in coastal waters of Khuzestan province. Average maximum length was 128.4±7.50 in October and average minimum length was 104.86±12.47 in May. The maximum weight was 27500g, the minimum weight was 5700g and mean weight for males and females were 15.222±4.40 and 16.942±5.09, respectively. Reproductive studies showed that peak maturity season occurred in July. The length­ weight relationship were calculated as W=0.042L 2 70 for males and W=0.06L2 61for females. The male-female sex ratio was calculated as 1:1.07 and chi-square analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes. The average absolute and relative fecundity were estimated to be 4054045±37265 and 179.19±50.41, respectively Madagascar Meager is carnivore and we found the diet of the species consisted of fish (75%), crustaceans (20%) and mollusks (5%). Analysis of monthly variation in the condition factor (CF) indicated a fluctuation throughout the year, with a high level during May. Vacuity index indicated a higher feeding rate in males compared to females. We also found that the species continues feeding in the spawning season