DNA barcoding of flat oyster species reveals the presence of Ostrea stentina Payraudeau, 1826 (Bivalvia: Ostreidae) in Japan

Masami HamaguchiEmail author,
Miyuki Manabe,
Naoto Kajihara,
Hiromori Shimabukuro,
Yuji Yamada and
Eijiro Nishi

Marine Biodiversity Records201710:4

DOI: 10.1186/s41200-016-0105-7

Received: 2 May 2016

Accepted: 24 December 2016

Published: 16 January 2017

Abstract

Background

DNA barcoding is an effective method of accurately identifying morphologically similar oyster species. However, for some of Japan’s Ostrea species there are no molecular data in the international DNA databases.

Methods

We sequenced the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSrDNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of five known and two unidentified Ostrea species. Phylogenetic comparison with known Ostrea species permitted accurate species identification by DNA barcoding.

Results

The molecular data, which were deposited in an international DNA database, allowed for a clear distinction among native Ostrea species in Japan. Moreover, the nucleotide sequence data confirmed that O. stentina (Atsuhime-gaki) inhabits Kemi and Ibusuki, Japan.

Conclusions

This is the first record of O. stentina in Japan. These results provided for accurate species identification by DNA barcoding of the taxonomically problematic species O. futamiensis, O. fluctigera, O. setoensis and O. stentina in Japan.