Genetic and Phenotypic Characteristics of the Salmo trutta Complex in Italy

Salmonid fish have become ecological and research models of study in the field conservation genetics genomics. Over last decade, brown trout received a high level interest publications. The term Salmo trutta complex is used to indicate large number geographic forms present species trutta. In Europe, S. consists (based on mitochondrial DNA control region analysis) seven major evolutionary lineages: Atlantic (AT), Mediterranean (ME), Adriatic (AD), Danubian (DA), Marmoratus (MA), Duero (DU) Tigris (TI). several nations, difficulty identifying some lineages derives from their wide phenotypic plasticity presence mixed (due introgressive hybridization with domestic AT populations). Italy, populations living Tyrrhenian area main islands (Sicily, Sardinia Corsica) showed genetic diversity. Currently, Italian Red List, protected (near threatened) are AD ME lineages. Recent studies based traditional (mitochondrial nuclear markers) NGS (next-generation sequencing) analyses clarified differences between region, Sicily, Corsica. Native belong lineage, while those Corsica mainly characterized by AD, MA haplotypes. Iblei mountains, an lineage (North African) exists. According authors, macrostigma should only be for North Africa. use genotyping methods mtDNA markers latest generation sequencing techniques can improve areas where there overlaps phenomena.