Abstract: 【Objective】To clarify the genetic diversity richness and evolutionary history of Culter(Culter alburnus) populations in the lower reach of Yangtze River, so as to a foundation for its breeding and genetic improvement.【Method】In the lower reach of Yangtze River waters(Dianshan Lake, Gaoyou Lake, Taihu Lake, Changdang Lake and Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River), wild Culter alburnus samples were collected, and the genetic diversity of 5 different geographic C. alburnus populations based on mitochondrial COII gene sequences. Population haplotypes were calculated with DNASPv5. Tajima's D and Fu's Fs neutrality tests were conducted. Genetic diversity analysis, population molecular variance analysis(AMOVA), and genetic distance calculation and gene flow(Nm) calculation were conducted by Arlequin 3.5.【Result】The results of sequencing analysis for detection of total 197 individuals of 425 bp COII sequences to 31 mutation sites. Ordination of base content was:T(29.61%) >C(28.03%) >A(24.19%) >G(18.17%). AT content was 53.8%, CG content 46.2%. A total of 13 haplotypes(hap1-hap13) were defined in 197 individuals, and the haplotype diversity index (H_d) was 0.273-0.603, with the highest in the Yangtze River population and the Changdang Lake population, and the lowest in the Taihu Lake population. The nucleotide diversity index(P_i) ranged from 0.001 to 0.017, with the highest in Changdang Lake and the lowest in Dianshan Lake. The genetic distance among the 5 populations ranged from 0.002 to 0.015, indicating that there was no significant difference among the populations. The Nm among different populations ranged from 2.443 to 54.325. The Nm between Taihu Lake population and Dianshan Lake population was the largest (54.325), and the Nm between Changdang Lake population and Dianshan Lake population was the smallest(2.443). AMOVA analysis showed that the genetic variation among different populations was 10.47%, while the genetic variation within populations was 89.53%. Among the 5 wild populations, only the Tajima's D and Fu' Fs of the Yangtze River population were negative and significant, so it was speculated that the population had experienced population expansion.【Conclusion】The population of C. alburnus in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River have low haplotype diversity and high nucleotide diversity, and the genetic diversity is abundant. There is genetic differentiation among the populations, but the degree of differentiation is not significant. Therefore, follow-up studies need to continue to increase the number of wild populations of C. alburnus samples and survey waters, a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the status of germplasm resources in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, to provide a scientific basis for the establishment of nature reserves and artificial proliferation and release.