DNA barcoding reveals a likely second species of Asian sea bass (barramundi) (Lates calcarifer)

Abstract

DNA barcoding - the sequencing of a c. 650 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene - strongly suggests that barramundi (Lates calcarifer) from Australia and from Myanmar are different species (Kimura 2 parameter distance of c. 9.5%). Cytochrome b sequence data support this conclusion (distance c. 11.3%). Further examination, both genetic and morphological, of L. calcarifer throughout its range is recommended. © 2008 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.