Characteristic LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns in six flatfish species in the Trondheimsfjord, Norway and their utility for the detection of natural species hybrids

Abstract

LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns among 621 specimens of six different flatfish species collected in the Trondheimsfjord, Norway, were characterized by using the isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel (IFPAG) technique. The LDH locus appears to be a reliable tool for species identification in the Trondheimsfjord flatfishes. Hence, these patterns were used to detect and identify potential hybrids, together with morphological traits. Among all the specimens collected during this study no hybrids were detected. From the actual numbers analysed, the natural hybridization rate between European plaice and European flounder in the Trondheimsfjord can be roughly estimated to be less than 1%. This is substantially lower than corresponding values reported from Baltic and Danish waters.

Key words:

• Flatfishes
• LDH isozyme
• natural hybrids

Acknowledgements

This project was carried out at Trondheim Biological Station (TBS), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in the period September 2011 to May 2013. Thanks to all the students, staff and faculty at Trondheim Biological Station. It has been great to study and work together with them.

Editorial responsibility: Gavin Gouws