A genetic technique to identify the diet of cownose rays, Rhinoptera bonasus: analysis of shellfish prey items from North Carolina and Virginia

摘要: Cownose rays are implicated in the consumption of commercially important shellfish on U.S. East Coast. We tested this assumption by developing a molecular technique for species identification from cownose ray gut contents. Digestive tracts sampled 33 Pamlico Sound, NC and Chesapeake Bay, VA contained pieces partially-digested tissue, well-digested fluid, minute shell fragments which made visual to level nearly impossible. sequenced cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) seven locally acquired bivalve species, chosen their commercial ecological importance VA. Sequences were used design species-specific primers each amplify polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. designed such that PCR products sufficiently different size be distinguishable one another when resolved an agarose gel, multiplexing several was possible. tract sample testing revealed Bay ate stout tagelus soft clams. There no evidence study consuming oysters, hard clams, bay scallops. Further sampling over extended period time additional locations is required confirm these results. Our diagnostic tests could easily expanded elucidate impact predation prey populations.