Genetic differentiation of a primitive teleost, the African bonytongue Heterotis niloticus, among river basins and within a floodplain river system in Benin, West Africa.

Examination of eight microsatellite DNA loci revealed high levels of genetic differentiation among populations of the African bonytongue Heterotis niloticus from three river basins that constitute important fishing areas in Benin. Low levels of population genetic differentiation were detected within the Ouemé-Sô River floodplain system. These results have important implications for conservation and management of stocks supporting important inland fisheries in West Africa.