Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences

Author(s): Asma Karim, Rashid Saif, Faisal Salamat Ali, Zohaib Gill, Wajid Ali

Abstract: DNA barcoding technique involving documentation of animal species based on a partial sequence of cytochrome C Oxidase 1 gene from mitochondrial DNA attracted many scientists at the start of 21^st century. The flaws in morphometric methods for identification of larvae of fishes and other animals, their eggs, and damaged specimen with incomplete morphology upraised the question for an alternate method for identification and grouping of many animal species. Partial sequence of CO1 gene used as barcode has been attested as a valuable tool for identification of fish species as well as supportive in computing evolutionary history and genetic diversity. Current study was conducted to identify the fishes by using the DNA barcoding technique resulting partial sequences of CO1 gene, and then use of these sequences in evaluation of the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of Cirrhinus mrigala inhabiting different areas. Short sequences from 5 end of CO1 gene (650 base pair) were amplified, sequenced and analyzed using different soft wares. According to results haplotypes were found which showed genetic variations among fishes from two different habitats. The phylogenetic analysis established a neighboring relationship and a shared ancestor of fish from different habitats. Haplotype diversity of 0.7143 was found in partial sequences of CO1 gene of all experimental fish. From these results it is obvious that fish species sharing identical genus and family but with diverse habitats show genetic variations even though involving a common ancestor.