Ancient and modem mitochondrial haplotypes of common bream (Abramis brama L.) in Poland

Genetic data on archaeological specimens provide complementary information for addressing questions on distribution and migration of fishes over long time scales. In this study DNA was extracted from common bream bones (N = 4), dated c. 6000-1000 BP, and a 172 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene has been sequenced. The obtained sequences differed from homologous sequences of breams living contemporarily (N = 4), inhabiting the same geographical areas as 'ancient' fish. None of ancient mitochondrial haplotype was found in fish living at present. Our results suggest that fish vicariance could be affected also by other than glacial retreat historical events, and the mechanisms that influenced present distribution of freshwater fishes are still unclear.