Genetic characterization of Death Valley region speckled dace using SNP and microsatellite markers

Authors: Sharon J. Furiness, Yongjiu Chen, Steve Parmenter, Frank Pezold

Year: 2010 (xlii)

Abstract

Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) occur with many local or isolated forms in the major drainage systems of western North America. Potential taxonomic divergence is believed to exist between Long and Owens Valleys, and among disjunct reaches of the Amargosa River. The Owens River basin, including Long Valley and Owens Valley populations, are particularly susceptible to extinction due to their limited and diminishing habitats. Taxonomic descriptions based on genetic and morphometric data could lead to revision of their protection status. Additionally, the traditional provisional taxonomic separation of Owens and Amargosa basin populations bears examination. This study aims to use both genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellite DNA markers to identify distinctive forms of speckled dace populations in the Owens and Amargosa River basins. Preliminary data indicate that Long Valley, Owens Valley, Oasis Valley and Amargosa Canyon speckled dace populations are genetically distinct.