Identification of Penaeus merguiensis and Penaeus indicus by RAPD-PCR derived DNA markers

Amornrat Phongdara, Assoc. Prof., D. of Biochemistry, F. of Sci., PSU.
Wilaiwan Chotigeat, Asst. Prof., D. of Biochemistry, F. of Sci., PSU.
Ausa Chandumpai, D. of Biochemistry, F. of Sci., PSU.
Chanpa Tanthana, F. of Pharmaceutical Sci., PSU.
Piyanan Duangtong
Corresponding e-mail : pamornra@ratree.psu.ac.th

Grant : NSTDA (1997-1998)
Published : Science Asia 1999, 25 : 143-151
Key words : RAPD, P. merguiensis, P. indicus, genetic marker, species

Banana prawns found in Thailand comprise of two species, Penaeus merguiensis and Penaeus indicus, which are very similar in morphology. The samples can have confused morphology and suggest the occurrence of hybridization. In this study, DNA patterns obtained from random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were compared between P. merguiensis and P. indicus. Several species-specific DNA fragments were isolated and sequenced. Three pairs of primers were designed for the PCR reactions generating single- and multi-locus profiles which could be used as genetic markers to differentiate between the two species. At least 7 haplotypes were obtained. Haplotypes 1-2 were found only in P. indicus, whereas haplotypes 3-5 were found only in P. merguiensis and haplotypes 6-7 occurred in samples with confused morphology, possibly hybrids.

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