DNA barcoding of yellow croakers (Larimichthys spp.) and morphologically similar fish species for authentication

Abstract

Yellow croakers (Larimichthys spp.), including Larimichthys polyactis and L. crocea, are important traditional commercial fish species in East Asian countries. However, they are often replaced by low-value fish with similar morphological characteristics. This work aimed to exploit the application of DNA barcoding in molecular identification of L. polyactis, L. crocea and morphologically similar species of Nibea albiflora, Collichthys lucidus, Pennahia argentata, and P. macrocephalus. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was affirmed as DNA barcode for the authentication of yellow croakers and yellow croaker products in China. Results showed that 37.03% (10/27) of the yellow croaker products were mislabeled and replaced by P. macrocephalus and P. argentata, suggesting that mislabeling is a widespread problem. In general, COI barcode, as a molecular tool, provides a useful method for the identification of yellow croakers, which may prevent mislabeling of fish products and food fraud.