Genetic Variation Analysis of Snakeheads (Channidae) in Central Kalimantan Using Partial 16s rRNA Gene

Channidae Family is a predatory fish in Central Kalimantan. This fish also possesses high albumin and complete amino acid content that useful for health, particularly in wound healing. Channidae Family includes Gabus (Channa striatus), Toman (Channa micropeltes), Kerandang (Channa pleurophthalmus), and Mihau (Channa maculata). However, the phylogenetic relationship between these snakehead fishes in this area has not been determined yet. This study was aimed to assess the genetic variations of Channidae Family in Central Kalimantan using 16S rRNA gene. Fish samples were Toman, kerandang, gabus and mihau collected from Central Kalimantan. Results showed that Gabus, Kerandang, Toman and Mihau were grouped in Channa genus with varied genetic distance among species, and have a close relationship based on its mitochondrial DNA marker.