Comparison of the genetic and ecological diversity of the native to the introduced tilapiines (Pisces: Cichlidae), and their population structures in the Lake Victoria region, East Africa

Abstract

The impact of introduced tilapiines in Lake Victoria Region (LVR) was studied using experimental fishing survey methods and microsatellite DNA marker analysis. The experiments were carried out between 1993 and 2000. Oreochromis esculentus and O. variabilis, the two native forms of the LVR and original principals of the fisheries of these waters, were found to be completely displaced from the major lakes and were only occasionally found in a few minor satellite lakes surrounding Lakes Kyoga and Victoria. Nile tilapia, O. niloticus, is now the dominant tilapiine, and one of the three key fisheries species of LVR along with Nile perch, Lates niloticus, and the minnow-like Rastrineobola argentea. Oreochromis leucostictus, also introduced to the LVR from the nilotic system, was largely restricted to swampy fringes of LVR water bodies. Tilapia zillii, also introduced from nilotic waters and earlier recorded to have been the most prevalent introduced tilapiine in LVR, occurred only sparsely and was very restricted in distribution. Genetic studies showed Nile tilapia having the highest genetic diversity, and being the least subdivided among LVR tilapiines. O. leucostictus was next in variability, but had the greatest gene flow, probably due to its ability to traverse low oxygen waters such as swamps which separate most LVR water bodies. The native forms were genetically the least variable, except where they coexist with introduced congeners. ‘Uncontaminated’ native forms were observed only in satellite Lakes of Kayanja, Kayugi, Manywa, Kawi and Kanyaboli. The population structure of native forms of LVR suggest they are being genetically swamped, especially for O. variabilis by Nile tilapia alleles, due to genetic exchange with introduced forms, resulting in highly localized differentiation of native species. T. zillii was equally highly subdivided, but has higher genetic variation within subpopulations, a situation linked to monogamous breeding behaviour which allows most individuals of its population to participate in breeding. Hybridization with T. rendalli, which was only occasionally encountered and previously mistaken for dwarf Nile tilapia, may also contribute to high within population variation in small T. zillii populations. On a macro-evolutionary level, the sister relationship between O. niloticus and O. esculentus is questionable and in need of further phylogenetic analysis. Overall the study showed a changed fishery, and the need to manage satellite lakes in a manner that will preserve the previous premier elements of the region's fishery (O. esculentus and O. variabilis) within natural refugia.