Genetic Diversity in Four Species of Coldwater Fishes (Family Cyprinidae) Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers and Implication for their Conservation

Information on the genetic profile of cultivable fish species is essential for studying molecular systematic and optimizing fisheries management and fish farming. In the Kumaun and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand Himalayas, coldwater fish species (Cyprinidae) is widespread and endemic in the natural water bodies. The usefulness of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was examined as a potential tool to test the genetic relationship among four predominant fish species, viz., Tor putitora, Schizothorax richardsonii, Garra gotyla and Barilius bendelisis (Cyprinidae: Pisces). The samples were collected from two different geographical region of Kumaun and Garhwal of Uttarakhand. Species specific markers were observed using 10 mer random primers through RAPD-PCR assay. The statistical analysis of RAPD was performed with the software POPGENE version 1.31. The phylogenetic trees based on RAPD-PCR, by using 15 random primers, showed a consistent result of forming two separate monophyletic groups consisting of T. putitora with S. richardsonii and Garra gotyla with B. bendelisis. The present investigation concluded that these methods could be a valuable tool for studying molecular systematic and establishing the taxonomic position among cyprinids coldwater fish species of India.