Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, cilt.26, sa.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aims to clarify the genetic structure and morphological differences of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) populations in Türkiye, focusing on both native and introduced groups. A total of 223 individuals were sampled from five lakes: four Anatolian lakes and one Thracian Lake. Thirty-four morphometric traits were assessed, and principal component analysis revealed that variation in body depth, dorsal-fin base length, and caudal peduncle length primarily drives morphological divergence among populations. Canonical analysis clearly separated native northern (Thrace and Black Sea) and introduced southern (Anatolian) populations. Genetic diversity and structure were assessed using seven microsatellite loci. Most populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except for NALB, which showed signs of recent bottlenecks or inbreeding. STRUCTURE analysis identified three main genetic clusters corresponding to Thrace, Black Sea, and Anatolia. Notably, 27% of genetic variation was among these groups, while over 60% was within individuals. Our findings suggest that while pikeperch is native to the Thrace and Black Sea regions, Anatolian populations-particularly those in Lake Marmara, Eğirdir, and Seyhan-display low genetic diversity, likely due to restocking activities, consistent with a founder effect. Overfishing may have also contributed to this pattern. In conclusion, the study highlights significant morphological and genetic differentiation between native and introduced pikeperch populations, emphasizing the importance of conserving native stocks and their potential as candidates for broodstock collection.