Acid phosphatase polymorphism in European shad (Fish: Clupeids).

Genetic polymorphism of acid phosphatases was investigated in 11 populations of the two European Alosa species using isoelectric focusing after sample treatment with neuraminidase. Two distinct loci, ACP1 and ACP2, were detected being ACP2 polymorphic. The observed genetic diversity between the species at the ACP2 locus supports other studies which indicate that A. alosa is the less polymorphic species of the two. This locus shows a higher geographic than interspecific pattern of differentiation and the ACP*2 allele is essentially confined to the Mediterranean.