Microsatellite multiplexes for high-throughput genotyping of French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum, Pisces: Haemulidae) and their utility in other grunt species

Grunts of the genus Haemulon are abundant in the western Atlantic and are an important component of regional fisheries. Management efforts for these and other Caribbean reef fish require an understanding of population structure and the extent of dispersal among populations. We characterized 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci for French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum) and grouped them into three PCR multiplexes to facilitate high-throughput genotyping. These loci will be useful for population genetic studies of French grunts. Cross-species amplifications suggest these loci are also suitable for population genetic studies of H. aurolineatum, H. plumieri, and H. sciurus.