the genetic diversity and population structure of Schizothorax prenanti in the upper Yangtze River

Schizothorax prenanti, an endemic, commercially important cold fish species in China, is 12 mainly distributed upstream of the Yangtze River and its tributaries. Its wild population has 13 severely declined since the end of the 20th century. In this study, we aimed to analyze mtDNA 14 D-loop and EST-SNP markers in one cultured and four wild populations to assess of 15 genetic diversity. Our results suggest that Sichuan and 25 Chongqing groups should be considered two protective evolutionary signaling units. This study 26 provides important theoretical basis for conservation management and effective utilization of S. 27 prenanti.