Genetic connectivity in the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Lutjaniformes: Lutjanidae) between Mexico and Panama throughout the Tropical Eastern Pacific

Abstract The spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus, is an important fishery species with high potential for aquaculture. Genetic characterization of its natural populations necessary to avoid stock collapse and loss genetic diversity. Previous studies carried out in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), however, have shown contrasting results structure fish populations, particularly Lutjanidae. Therefore, understand snapper TEP, twelve microsatellite loci were used assess diversity explore hypothesis population samples collected throughout TEP. Fin clips from 186 sampled individuals (27 49 per site) analyzed five sites three regional biogeographic provinces, delimited by shoreline reef habitat breaks: La Paz (Cortez province), Colima Oaxaca (Mexican Chiriqui Port Panama (Panamic province). Results global Analysis Molecular Variance (AMOVA), pairwise FST, hierarchical AMOVA, a discriminant analysis principal components (DAPC) reflected panmictic involving entire set sites. role larval dispersal, post-recruitment migration, marine current dynamics as drivers connectivity this discussed.