Interspecific utility of microsatellites in fish: A case study of (CT)(n) and (GT)(n) markers in the shanny Lipophrys pholis (Pisces : Blenniidae) and their use in other blennioidei

We report the development of new microsatellite markers that can be used fo r population analyses in the shanny Lipophrys pholis. The procedure involve d the construction of a microsatellite-enriched genomic bank. Five (GT)(n) and (CT)(n) microsatellites have been characterized, four of which are poly morphic. The analysis of one population allowed us to verify their usefulne ss as markers in population studies. Moreover, interspecific amplifications have been performed using primers defined in other species to amplify Lipo phrys pholis, or using the primers defined in Lipophrys pholis to amplify o ther species. We use these results to discuss the hypothesis that microsate llites are highly conserved in fish.