Determination of the Minimal Number of Microsatellite Loci for the Prior Assessment of Population Genetic Structure of the Japanese Sea Cucumber, (Selenka, 1867) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)

Assessment of the minimal number of microsatellite loci required for the primary analysis of population structure was performed using samples of the Japanese sea cucumber, . A total of 10 microsatellite loci were used for the analysis as a maximal number. Based on the mean values of the allele richness and F for each locus per all samples, markers with the minimal values of these criteria were removed one by one, and Bayesian clusterization with determination of the parameters for calculation of the optimal number of groups was performed. It was shown that the genotypic distribution of individuals could be achieved with nine loci or more in the analysis if ranked on the basis of their allele richness and differentiation power. Further work is required to search for effective molecular markers that would provide study of population heterogeneity in the Japanese sea cucumber.