Molecular identification of Bigeyes (Perciformes, Priacanthidae) from Indian waters

Abstract

Thirty-five individuals of six priacanthid fish species were sampled from different localities along the coast of India covering the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The partial sequence of 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes were analyzed for species identification and phylogenetic relationship among the Indian priacanthids (Priacanthus hamrur, P. prolixus, P. blochii, P. sagittarius, Cookeolus japonicus, and Pristigenys refulgens). The intraspecies genetic distance ranged from 0.000 to 0.002, while distances varied from 0.008 to 0.157 interspecies based on 16S sequences. Using COI data analysis, the intraspecies genetic distance ranged from 0.000 to 0.005, while interspecies distances varied from 0.009 to 0.108. Several sequences labeled Priacanthus hamrur in GenBank are shown to be P. prolixus. We also observed cryptic speciation in Heteropriacanthus cruentatus. Partial sequences of 16S rRNA and COI genes provided phylogenetic information to distinguish thirteen species of priacanthids, indicating the usefulness of molecular markers in species identification.

Confirmed occurrence of moontail bullseye, Priacanthus hamrur (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Priacanthidae), in the Mediterranean Sea with first record off the coast of Turkey

“…The characteristic differences between the two species are the total number of gill rakers (24-26 for P. hamrur, 29-31 for P. prolixus), and much more elongated body structure (body depth at sixth dorsal fin spine about 2.6 to 2.8 times in standard length for P. hamrur, body depth at sixth dorsal fin spine 3 or more times in standard length for P. prolixus (see Philip 1994, Gürlek et al 2017. Bineesh et al (2016) reported in a recent phylogenetic study using two (16s rRNA, and COI) mtDNA segments that the closest genetic similarity was observed between P. hamrur and P. prolixus from Indian samples. However, the above-mentioned authors suggested that a more detailed analysis with wide geographical sampling would reveal the true extent of speciation in this priacanthid species.…”

“…The family Priacanthidae is a relatively small taxon with 19 species accommodated within four genera (in Indo-Pacific region with 15 species and four species in the Atlantic) (Starnes 1988, Iwatsuki et al 2012, Bineesh et al 2016. This epibenthic predatory fish occurs primarily in rocky or coral habitats at depths from 8 to 250 m (Starnes 1988, Lieske andMyers 1994).…”