Population genetics of squid species in northern Australian waters

A study of the population genetics of squid of the genus Loligo was carried out at 9 northern Australian locations. Variations in gene frequencies of allozymes and common proteins were used to estimate connectivity and dispersal between populations, and to determine the phylogeny of the genus (discrete species identities). Two previously described species (Photololigo chinensis, P. edulis) were discovered to actually be four species.Sampling locations were: Northwest Shelf, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait, Cape York, Princess Charlotte Bay, Townsville, Brisbane. Sample sizes for the locations ranged between 19 and 447 individuals. Species identified were: Photololigo chinensis, sp.1, sp.2, sp.3.Following preliminary scoring for 76 enzymes, 9 enzymes were selected for routine scoring of genotypes: ACON, AK, ENOL, IDH, MDH-3, MPI, PGDH, PGM, G3PDH. To estimate connectivity and dispersal between populations, and to determine the phylogeny of discrete species.