Authentication of the most important species of freshwater eels by means of FINS

Abstract

Eels are a taxonomic group with great commercial importance due to their huge steaks. They have very high demand, especially the young ones. There are high morphological similarity and diVerent market values between diVerent species. For these reasons arises the need to develop techniques that allow identifying as many species as possible. In this study, a DNA method based on DNA phylogenetic analysis of sequences (forensically informative nucleotide sequencing) has been developed. This method has been used to authenticate 12 eel species, including the most important to commercial level (Anguilla anguilla, A. rostrata, A. japonica, A. australis), by means of the ampliWcation of a 239-base pair (bp) fragment of the mitochondrial Cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. This method is useful to clarify questions related to the correct labeling of commercial products and to verify the traceability in commercial trade and for Wsheries control.

Genetic system for an integral traceability of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in aquaculture and seafood products: authentication by fast real-time PCR

“…Results obtained from morphological features and/or from methodology described by Lago et al [16] were compared with those obtained by the application of the methodology herein developed. Coincidence percentage between identified species on basis of morphological traits and both genetic methodologies was calculated.…”

“…For the methodology validation, DNA extractions from eel products used in the validation of the work of Lago et al were used [16]. These DNA extractions were obtained from products elaborated from different eel species.…”

“…Also, other species previously obtained and authenticated for our research group were used to establish the specificity of the methodology; these include scombrids [28], anglerfish [24,29], flatfish [30], salmonids [23,31], swordfish [17], clupeids [32,33], freshwater eels [16], cod [20], cephalopods [18] and meet [21,34]. These samples were also labeled and preserved at −80 °C.…”

“…Morphologically and genetically authenticated specimens of different eel species were obtained by ANFACO-CECOPESCA (National Association of Fish and Seafood canning Manufactures-Technical Centre for the preservation of Fish and Aquaculture products) [16]. The samples were provided by universities and research centers around the world.…”

“…Among them, it is worth mentioning the work of Lago et al [16]. It is based on FINS technique (PCR followed by a phylogenetic analysis).…”