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We report the development and characterization of nine microsatellite markers from the Tridacna crocea genome. In a wild population of 20 individuals from Ulugan Bay in the Republic of the Philippines, we observed an average of 9 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.41 to 0.92. Cross-species priming was tested in three additional Tridacna species with moderate success. These markers will be used in studies of fine-scale population genetic structure and gene flow in T. crocea. The markers may also be useful in a forensic context by identifying source populations of giant clams collected illegally for the live aquarium trade, while protecting legal exports from aquaculture facilities.

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Tridacna maxima in order to assess self-recruitment and larval dispersal within and among MPAs in New Caledonia and provide baseline data for conservation management of this species. Number of alleles varied from 5 to 25 per locus, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.171 to 0.860 and 0.591 to 0.935 respectively. Significant deviations from HWE were detected in eight loci. Cross-amplifications were tested in five other species of Tridacnidae ( T. crocea, T. squamosa, T. derasa, T. noae and Hippopus hippopus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]