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Evaluation of the occurrence of multiple paternity in Squalus acanthias in the South Atlantic region using nuclear markers
  • +5
  • Beatriz Boza,
  • Yan Torres,
  • Gabriel Monteiro Lima,
  • Sergio Matías Delpiani,
  • Gabriela Delpiani,
  • Fausto Foresti,
  • Claudio Oliveira,
  • Vanessa Paes Cruz
Beatriz Boza
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Instituto de Biociencias

Corresponding Author:beatriz.boza@unesp.br

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Yan Torres
Universidade Estadual Vale do Acarau
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Gabriel Monteiro Lima
Universidade Federal do Para Instituto de Tecnologia
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Sergio Matías Delpiani
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras
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Gabriela Delpiani
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras
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Fausto Foresti
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Instituto de Biociencias
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Claudio Oliveira
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Instituto de Biociencias
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Vanessa Paes Cruz
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Instituto de Biociencias
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Abstract

Understanding shark reproductive modes is fundamental for their conservation, as these K-strategist species are highly susceptible to overexploitation. The spiny dogfish ( Squalus acanthias), a small shark currently listed as ’vulnerable’ by the IUCN, exhibits a prolonged gestation period of 22 months and a reproductive output ranging from 1 to 21 pups per litter. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of multiple paternity in S. acanthias using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. Samples from six litters, comprising 40 individuals collected in Argentina, were analyzed using a ddRADSeq library. SNP markers were screened through the STACKS pipeline, and kinship and paternity analyses were conducted using COANCESTRY and COLONY softwares. The results revealed between 1,021 and 1,620 SNPs per litter, with multiple paternity detected in all litters. The number of sires per litter ranged from 2 to 4. Notably, no correlation was found between litter size and the occurrence of multiple paternity, suggesting that this behavior may represent a reproductive strategy aimed at enhancing genetic diversity. The species’ biological characteristics, such as size and sex segregation, combined with the presence of females in shallower waters, increase their susceptibility to capture. Moreover, overfishing and bycatch in the Atlantic exacerbate the reduction in sexually mature individuals, thereby threatening reproductive rates. This study underscores the importance of preserving genetic variability for species survival and highlights the need for urgent management policies that incorporate these reproductive strategies, particularly for species like S. acanthias that display complex life histories and low population recovery rates.