The Identification of a Novel, High Frequency Variant in the Cytochrome b Gene in an Isolated Population of a Rare Fish, Spined Loach <i>Cobitis taenia</i>, in England: A Population Worth Protecting?

Abstract

The spined loach Cobitis taenia, is listed as a protected species under Appendix 3 of the Bern Convention and Annex II of the European Council Directive (92/43/EEC) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. It is desirable therefore to understand the genetic diversity within European populations. In a molecular genetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene in Cobitis taenia from three sites in the upper reaches of the River Trent catchment, a novel high frequency variant was identified which has not been previously reported in any European or Non-European population.