Genetic Diversity of Schizothorax, Tor, and Mystus spp. in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Species of Economic Importance
Genetic Diversity of Schizothorax, Tor, and Mystus spp. in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Species of Economic Importance
Muhammad Qayash Khan1,2, Muhammad Zubair Anjum2, Muhammad Adnan3, Abbas Khan1, Hafsa Zahid1, Javed Nawab4, Sher Zaman Safi5, Muhammad Ishaq Ali Shah6, Atif Kamil7 and Abid Ali1*
ABSTRACT
Among closely related fish species the taxonomic ambiguities arose as a result of morphological similarities which not only conceal the genetic diversity but also pose problems in fisheries management and conservation practices. The purpose of the present study was a molecular characterization of fish species of economic importance belonging to the genus Schizothorax, Tor and Mystus collected from various rivers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The samples were morphologically identified, its mitochondrial DNA was extracted and subjected to molecular characterization by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The sequencing data revealed rich genetic diversity among fish specimens belonging to the genus Schizothorax. For the genus Tor, as was commonly believed of having two species (Tor putitora and Tor macrolepus), the sequencing data was not in agreement with the morphological identification and hence negated the existence of T. macrolepus. The genus Mystus was also found to be comprised of a single species: M. armatus. The COI sequence of M. armatus reported for the first time during this study will be a useful addition to the database. The present study strongly recommends the effectiveness of COI barcoding for species delineation over the traditional taxonomic methods.
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June 2021
Vol. 53, Iss. 3, Pages 801-1200
