ALLOZYMIC VARIATION AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE ENDANGERED CYPRINODONTIDGENUS VALENCIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION

Allozyme analysis was used to determine patterns of genetic variation and relationships within the genus Valencia, a group with two allopatr ic species, V. letourneuxi inhabiting the Balkan Peninsula, and V. his panica which is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Products of 25 gene loci were analysed with AK, FH*, LDH-1* and LDH-2* monomorphic when F undulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus was not taken into account. Nine l oci were diagnostic for both species of the genus Valencia. Levels of genetic variation of V. hispanica (P = 0.416, H-e = 0.118) and V. leto urneuxi (P = 0.160, H-e = 0.040) were higher than values reported prev iously. High population subdivision (F-st = 0.321) among V. hispanica populations indicates a clear interruption of genetic exchange among p opulations. High genetic variation and differentiation exhibited by po pulations of V. hispanica suggest that a recovery program should be ca rried out with natural stocks from the same localities. (C) 1996 The F isheries Society of the British Isles