Employing DNA barcoding as taxonomy and conservation tools for fish species censuses at the southeastern Mediterranean, a hot-spot area for biological invasion

摘要: Abstract This study evaluates the utility of DNA barcoding (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I; COI) as a biodiversity and conservation applied tool for identifying fish fauna from southeastern Mediterranean (the continental coast Israel), hot-spot area biological invasion, also with an eye to establish foundation follow-up studies that will use environmental (eDNA) tracks native invasive species, application eDNA concepts methodologies in nature conservation. We established dataset 280 barcodes, representing 110 marine species (all identified by taxonomist), belonging 75 35 Lessepsian migratory were tested within against BOLD system database. Most query sequences showed 98% matches reference barcodes excluding two Trachurus three Dasyatis pastinaca Rhinobatos rhinobatos individuals. Relatively high intraspecific genetic distances observed Elasmobranchii (8.83%–18%), suggesting possible cryptic species. In contrast, relatively low interspecific found between Actinopterygii (1.54%). Gobiidae family members being most scattered on Bayesian tree. Out 48 taxonomically discordant BINs (4 at level, 15 genus level 29 level), 53 concordant 9 singletons. Discordancy was noted some Diplodus Fistularia during BIN analysis. Apogon queketti, Champsodon nudivittis Cheilodipterus novemstriatus uploaded first time. elucidated 177 haplotypes, 122 55 The results allow evaluation success help developing improved policies biodiversity.