High-throughput DNA metabarcoding of mitochondrial 12S rRNA and Cyt b gene sequences was coupled with a morphology-based identification tool to assess ichthyoplankton community structure in Oujiang River Estuary, China. The performances of 12S and Cyt b barcoding markers were compared in terms of taxonomic resolution, detection and coverage, and their suitability was established for use as a quick and powerful ichthyoplankton assessment tool. A total of 30,138 ichthyoplankton (2462 eggs and 27,676 larvae) samples were collected from April to August 2015 and identified to 145 taxa belonging to 57 families and 105 genera. June and July were the main spawning months. Ichthyoplankton were more abundant around Lingkun and Qidu Islands and the upper parts of Oujiang River Estuary. The 12S gene marker presented higher species coverage and detection rate than Cyt b. DNA metabarcoding exhibited more representative species identification power than morphology. The findings reported in this study provided a key attempt towards the development of time-efficient and cost-effective ichthyoplankton identification and assessment tool.
Zoological Research
长江口沿岸碎波带仔稚鱼的种类组成及其多样性特征Abstract: This study investigated species composition and diversity of fish larvae and juveniles in the surf zone of the Yangtze River estuary to reveal the importance of this habitat as a fish nursery ground. Fish larvae and juveniles were collected monthly at 13 stations on the spring tide during July 2006 and June 2007. Samples were conducted along the surf zone (depth of 0.5-1.5 m) using a seine net (1 m×4 m, 1 mm mesh-aperture). Each haul was made parallel to the shore for a distance of about 50 m. A total of 49 045 fish larvae and juveniles were collected representing 84 species from 31 families. They included 16 marine species, 30 estuarine species, 4 diadromous species and 34 freshwater species. Coilia nasus was the most dominant species accounting for 82.63% of the total. The number of species, individual and abundance were lower in winter with the minimum number in March and maximum in summer. The Margalef index was relatively low between
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