The formation of the population genetic structure of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.): a short review

Abstract

The complex life cycle of the European eel predestines unique formation of the population genetic structure. The sweepstakes reproductive success and the chaotic genetic patchiness are the characteristics of this species and its population genetic structure could be described as a genetic mosaic, whose formation is predetermined by the reproductively isolated groups of eels. Due to the fact that until now it was impossible to investigate the genetic parameters of the spawning eels in their spawning grounds the population genetic structure and its formation is still not understood. Currently three main models are available: panmixia, isolation by distance and isolation by time. In order to understand the formation of the population genetic structure of the European eel its intraspecific evolution should be more comprehensively studied and the multidisciplinary seascape genetics should be applied.