Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of the Spotted Sleeper Odontobutis interrupta (Odontobutidae), a Fish Endemic to Korea

The spotted sleeper, Odontobutis interrupta, is a fish species endemic to Korea and shows potential as an aquaculture species. Nevertheless, the population size of this has declined significantly in recent years. To characterize structure genetic diversity O. interrupta Korea, we analyzed four microsatellite loci twelve populations from major river systems. provenance was investigated discern origin translocated populations. ranged 0.440 0.756, showing high level similar that other freshwater fishes. However, mitochondrial DNA analysis exhibited low (Hd: 0.000–0.674, π: 0.00000–0.00159). FST values microsatellites 0.096 0.498 −0.046 0.951, suggesting admixture among All effective <100; therefore, preservation efforts prevent inbreeding depression would be required. could divided into unique genotypes Seomjingang Geumgang Rivers. observed all populations, rendering it impossible distinguish them. Our findings provide fundamental but significant insights pursuant devising conservation strategies for interrupta.