Analysis of mtDNA cyt b and mtDNA D-loop of Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) species living in Keban Dam Lake (Türkiye)

Abstract

Keban Dam Lake is located within the boundaries Elazığ, Tunceli and Erzincan provinces of Türkiye and is an artificial lake where aquaculture production and fishing activities are carried out. In addition to native fish species, non-native and invasive fish that entered the dam lake later live in this lake. These invasive fish are a threat to native species and cause significant impacts to biodiversity. In this study, the genetic structure of Carassius auratus, one of these invasive fish, was investigated by sequence analysis of mtDNA cyt b and D-loop regions. DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using commercial kit. PCR stages performed using target primers and were subjected to sequence analysis. The haplotypes obtained for both gene regions were compared using the BLAST technique to reveal similarities in the gene bank. The information on genetic variation and population structure obtained for C. auratus in this study will be useful for planning effective strategies for the protection and rehabilitation of the species living in the dam lake.