Acid phosphatase polymorphism in European shad (Fish : Clupeids)

Genetic polymorphism of acid phosphatases was investigated in 11 population s of the two European Alosa species using isoelectric focusing after sample treatment with neuraminidase. Two distinct loci, ACP1 and ACP2, were detec ted being ACP2 polymorphic. The observed genetic diversity between the spec ies at the ACP2 locus supports other studies which indicate that A. alosa i s the less polymorphic species of the two. This locus shows a higher geogra phic than interspecific pattern of differentiation and ACP*2 allele is esse ntially confined to the Mediterranean.