Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Genetic variation has been difficult to detect in striped bass (Morone saxa tilis). Therefore, we identified and characterized 13 microsatellite loci t o provide additional genetic markers for striped bass. Microsatellites were identified by screening a striped bass genomic library or by using primers developed for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) microsatellite loci . We found that 6 of the 13 microsatellite loci were polymorphic in DNA sam ples obtained from wild populations of striped bass. The number of alleles per locus varied from 3 to 12, and the observed heterozygosities ranged fro m 0.55 to 0.78. These results indicate that microsatellite loci provide mor e alleles and higher heterozygosities than other genetic markers developed for striped bass.