This study examined the population structure and genetic distance between two Clariid species, Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis using microsatellite markers. Genetic strains of 20 domesticated samples of both species were characterized with four microsatellite markers. 95% of the samples amplified upon PCR amplification and 44.3% of the total alleles observed for all the loci were heterozygote. Analysis showed that all the four loci were polymorphic for all the samples, observed and expected heterozygosity had mean values of 0.4438±0.1116 and 0.9025±0.0211 respectively.

Conformity to Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium using the Chi-Square test showed 81.25% of locus-population relationship conformed to Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. The phylogenetic tree obtained gave a bootstrap value of 72 indicating the genetic distance between the two species.

The result obtained in this research will be used to show the genetic differences between the two species, serve as a preliminary data for the improvement of Clariid fishery and characterization of other fish species.

Title page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of contents

List of tables

List of figures

CHAPTER ONE

1.0    Introduction

1.1    Microsatellite markers

1.2    Characteristics of microsatellite markers

1.3.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of microsatellite markers

1.3.1 Advantages of microsatellite markers

1.3.2 Disadvantages of microsatellite markers

1.4    Uses of microsatellite markers

1.5.0 Objectives of the study

1.5.1 Specific objectives

1.6    Problem statements

1.7    Justification of the study

CHAPTER TWO

2.0   Literature review

CHAPTER THREE

3.0    Materials and methods

3.1    Selection of samples

3.2.0 Collection of blood

3.2.1 Apparatus

3.2.2 Procedure

3.3.0 DNA extraction

3.3.1 Apparatus

3.3.2 Procedure

3.4    Selection of microsatellite markers

3.5.0 PCR amplifications

3.5.1 Apparatus

3.5.2 Procedure

3.6.0 Electrophoresis

3.6.1 Apparatus

3.6.2 Procedure

3.7    Precautions

3.8    Statistical analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0    Results

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0    Discussion

CHAPTER SIX

6.0    Conclusion and recommendations

6.1    Conclusion

6.2    Recommendations

        References