Species of a whale and an unknown fish sample identified using molecular taxonomy

Abstract

Molecular genetics provides a powerful tool for conservation of species protected by international regulations or threatened by overexploitation. The present communication is the first report from India on the application of molecular tools for the accurate identification of a stranded whale in putrefied condition as it was impossible to identify the species status using conventional taxonomy and the carcass of an unknown animal devoid of its head and tail, collected from a fish market. Partial sequences of mtDNA control region and cytochrome b gene of the whale were generated and tested with BLAST search and DNA surveillance for molecular identification. It was identified as Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni). Partial sequence of mtDNA cytochrome b gene of the unknown fish from the market was generated, tested with BLAST search and was identified as sword fish Xiphias gladius.