Genetic heterogeneity and growth properties of different genotypes of Atlantic cod ( Gadusmorhua L.) at two spawning sites off south Iceland

• Published in: Fisheries research 2002-03, Vol.55 (1), p.37-47
• Main Authors: Jónsdóttir, Ó.D.B., Imsland, A.K., Danı&#x0301, elsdóttir, A.K., Marteinsdóttir, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Atlantic cod; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gadus morhua; Genetic differentiation; Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution; Growth performance; Population genetics, reproduction patterns; Vertebrata
• ISSN: 0165-7836; 1872-6763
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-7836(01)00296-X

To investigate possible differences in life history traits of Atlantic cod in Icelandic waters, cod were collected at two spawning areas off Southwest Iceland (Loftstaðahraun and Kantur) in two surveys during the spawning season. The sampled fish were measured and age and sex determined. In addition they were analysed for allelic variation at the synaptophysin ( Syp I) locus. Significant differences in growth performance and Syp I genotype distributions were found between the sampling localities. The cod sampled at Loftstaðahraun displayed higher mean weight and length compared to the cod from Kantur and this was mainly related to higher age. Significant differences in genotype ( Syp I) were also observed between cod collected at the two sampling sites. The results indicate that the cod spawning in south Icelandic waters do not belong to one panmictic population and these populations seem to display different life histories.