Barcoding Argentine fishes.

DÍAZ DE ASTARLOA, J. M.; HANNER, R.; MABRAGAÑA, E.; ZHANG, J.; GONZÁLEZ CASTRO, M.

México D. F., México.

Conferencia; Third International Barcode of Life Conference; 2009

International Barcode of Life

As a contribution to FISH-BOL 577 specimens of fishes collected in Argentine waters, representing 125 species, were analysed using DNA barcodes. All data were deposited in the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). Nearly all species exhibited unique Barcode haplotypes or very closely related haplotypes, which permitted the discrimination of 95.2% of species. The K2P genetic distances averaged 0.23% within species and 4.04% within genera, increasing value with taxonomic level. Cases of shared haplotypes were detected in 6 of the species analyzed, and could represent problems of misidentification, mislabeling or instance of recent speciation. The use of barcodes within an integrative taxonomic framework confirmed the identification of a new species of longnose skate (Dipturus argentinensis) from the Argentine Sea, permitted the recognition of the Brazilian cusk eel (Genypterus brasiliensis) as a valid species and also support the hypothesis of the reassignment of Paralichthys isosceles into a new genus. Although some groups are highlighted for further taxonomic analysis these results support the utility of DNA barcodes for regional species identification of fishes.