LACTATE-DEHYDROGENASE ISOZYMES AND THEIR GENETIC-VARIATION IN 15 SPARIDAE SPECIES (PERCIFORMES, TELEOSTEI)

1. Differences in tissue patterns of Ldh enzyme-locus expressions were used to infer the extent of divergence among 15 Sparidae species. 2. Some Ldh locus-tissue expressions diverged markedly among species while others were conserved at the genus level. 3. Differences between tissues, in terms of lactate dehydrogenase activity, were observed in all species. The patterns are species-specific, most likely monomorphic with the exception of Diplodus sargus. 4. Unexpectedly large differences in the tissue patterns of lactate dehydrogenase-C (Ldh-C) gene regulation were observed between two species of fish of the genus Pagellus within the Sparidae family.