The species dilemma of Northeast Indian Mahseer (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae): DNA barcoding in clarifying the riddle.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The taxonomic validity of Northeast Indian endemic Mahseer species, Tor progeneius and Neolissochilus hexastichus, has been argued repeatedly. This is mainly due to disagreements in recognizing the species based on morphological characters. Consequently, both the species have been concealed for many decades. DNA barcoding has become a promising and an independent technique for accurate species level identification. Therefore, utilization of such technique in association with the traditional morphotaxonomic description can resolve the species dilemma of this important group of sport fishes.

Methodology/principal findings

Altogether, 28 mahseer specimens including paratypes were studied from different locations in Northeast India, and 24 morphometric characters were

SUBMITTER: Laskar BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3547047 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature