Title of article :
Molecular Identification and Traceability of Illegal Trading in Lignobrycon myersi (Teleostei: Characiformes), a Threatened Brazilian Fish Species, Using DNA Barcode
Author/Authors :
dos Santos Rodrigues, Alexandre Department of Biological Sciences - Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - Rua Jose Moreira Sobrinho - s/n - ´ Bairro Jequiezinho - 45206-190 Jequie - BA - Brazil , Souza Galdino Brandão, José Henrique Department of Biological Sciences - Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - Rua Jose Moreira Sobrinho - s/n - ´ Bairro Jequiezinho - 45206-190 Jequie - BA - Brazil , de Araújo Bitencourt, Jamille Department of Biological Sciences - Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - Rua Jose Moreira Sobrinho - s/n - ´ Bairro Jequiezinho - 45206-190 Jequie - BA - Brazil , Jucá-Chagas, Ricardo Department of Biological Sciences - Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - Rua Jose Moreira Sobrinho - s/n - ´ Bairro Jequiezinho - 45206-190 Jequie - BA - Brazil , Sampaio, Iracilda Institute of Coastal Studies (IECOS) - Universidade Federal do Para - Alameda Leandro Ribeiro s/n - Bairro Aldeia - ´ 68600-000 Braganc¸a, PA - Brazil , Schneider, Horácio Institute of Coastal Studies (IECOS) - Universidade Federal do Para - Alameda Leandro Ribeiro s/n - Bairro Aldeia - ´ 68600-000 Braganc¸a, PA - Brazil , Antunes de Mello Affonso, Paulo Roberto Department of Biological Sciences - Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - Rua Jose Moreira Sobrinho - s/n - ´ Bairro Jequiezinho - 45206-190 Jequie - BA - Brazil
Abstract :
Lignobrycon myersi is a threatened freshwater fish species and endemic of a few coastal rivers in northeastern Brazil. Even though the Brazilian laws prohibit the fisheries of threatened species, L. myersi is occasionally found in street markets, being highly appreciated by local population. In order to provide a reliable DNA barcode dataset for L. myersi, we compared mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from fresh, frozen, and salt-preserved specimens. Phylogenetically related
species (Triportheus spp.) and other fish species (Astyanax fasciatus) commonly mixed with L. myersi in street markets were
also included to test the efficiency of molecular identification. In spite of the differences in conservation processes and advanced
deterioration of some commercial samples, high-quality COI sequences were obtained and effective in discriminating L. myersi
specimens. In addition, while populations from Contas and Almada River basins seem to comprise a single evolutionary lineage,
the specimens from Cachoeira River were genetically differentiated, indicating population structuring. Therefore, DNA barcoding has proved to be useful to trace the illegal trading of L. myersi and to manage threatened populations, which should focus on conservation of distinct genetic stocks and mitigation on human impacts along their range.
Keywords :
Molecular Identification , Traceability , Lignobrycon myersi , Teleostei: Characiformes , Brazilian Fish Species , DNA Barcode
Journal title :
The Scientific World Journal
