DNA Barcoding for the Crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) from the River Nile, Egypt | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 56, Volume 28, Issue 6, November 2024, Page 985-997 PDF (389.48 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.395128 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
| El-tabakh et al. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| The objective of this study was to emphasize the potential of DNA barcoding as an effective method for quick identification and management of invasive species. In April 2023, 280 specimens of Procambarus clarkii were collected from the Nile River tributaries in Qalyoubia Governorate, Egypt. Specimens were accurately classified, weighed, and measured for total and standard body lengths. The carapace of mature P. clarkii displayed characteristic dark red to deep brown colors with white granules during the intermolt phase, while juveniles exhibited a paler coloration without markings. Morphological distinctions between males and females were observed, notably in the size and structure of pincers and presence of mesial tubercles and hooks on the thoracic appendages in males. The length-weight relationship suggested isometric growth. This relationship supports the persistence of P. clarkii in Egypt’s freshwater ecosystems, indicating a stable adaptation to these environmental conditions. DNA barcoding has emerged as a pivotal technique for this invasive species identification, employing the sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (cox 1). The cox 1 gene was amplified via PCR, and the resulting products were approximately 630bp in size. Only 565bp of cox 1 sequence was used for phylogenetic analyses. The results confirmed that the targeted species exhibited minimal genetic divergence when compared to existing sequences in GenBank, supporting the validity of DNA barcoding for taxonomic identification. The constructed phylogenetic tree mirrored the taxonomic structure established through morphological studies, underscoring the robustness of this method. The present study provided a new sequence for P. clarkii (Accession No. PQ394606) into GenBank database. This comprehensive study demonstrated the efficacy of DNA barcoding for rapid species identification, while offering critical insights for invasive species control and the enhancement of conservation strategies. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| DNA barcoding; Procambarus clarkia; Species identification; COX1 gene; Invasive species management; Phylogenetic analysis | ||||
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