MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND BARCODING OF TWO SHRIMP SPECIES (PARAPENAEOPSIS SCULPTILLIS AND PARAPENAEOPSIS HARDWIKII) COLLECTED FROM GORAI CREEK OF MUMBAI, WEST COAST OF INDIA

Purpose. Molecular identification of two shrimp species (Parapenaeopsis sculptillis and Parapenaeopsis hardwikii) from Gorai creek, Mumbai, west coast of India. Methodology. The specimens of Shrimps Parapenaeopsis sculptillis and Parapenaeopsis hardwikii were collected from Gorai creek. The samples were morphologically identified as per the FAO guidelines manual and by using taxonomic keys. Genomic DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using DNA isolation kit (Hi Media, India). Molecular identification was carried out by using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), gene sequencing by using specific primers LCO1490 and HCO2198. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by neighbour-joining method using mega 6 software to determine the relationship of the samples with known sequences in database. Findings. The P. sculptillis and P. hardwikii showed closest sequence similarities with P. cornuta (84%) and Thysanopoda obtusifrons (83%). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on COI gene, which separates the populations into thirteen stable clades. The results on DNA barcoding and current distribution of P. culptillis and P. hardwikii and their haplotype P. cornuta and Thysanopoda obtusifrons showed phylogenetic relationship among them, providing insights into the adaptive evolution of DNA sequences. The phylogenetic divergence analyses of the selected specie showed worldwide distribution because the above said species and their haplotype species showed complex sequence diversities that are having functional relevance with energy metabolism and environmental adaptation. Originality. First attempt to use molecular genetic techniques for the identification of Parapenaeopsis sculptillis and Parapenaeopsis hardwikii and to compare their DNA sequences with other haplotype species such as P. cornuta and Thysanopoda obtusifrons. Practical value. The obtained data can be used for shrimp species identification and studies of their phylogenetics and population genetics.