Abstract

The research yielded a bioinformatic-based protocol for forensic genetics in Epinephlelus itajara and other related taxa. 16S and Citochrome b sequences were obtained from Genebank. Comparative RFLP markers were obtained for seventy serranid species (16S), including E. itajara. Another RFLP markers (Cytb) were implemented for 35 serranid species. Both analyzes identified species-specific genetic profiles. Apart of those others Serranidae taxa Epinephelus itajara arose with a distinguishable genetic identity by 16S. RFLPs with 6, 3 and 2 fragments diagnosed the species by several restriction enzimes. For Cytb sequences five restriction patterns were observed (from 6 to 2 bands). RFLPs with 6 bands diagnosed Epinephelus coioides (FokI, BstF5I). RFLPs with 5 bands diagnosed 5 species by HaeIII. RFLPs with 4 bands diagnosed E. areolatus by AluI, BstF5I, FokI, and HaeIII. AluI diagnosed by also 4 bands E. lanceolatus and E. merra. The enzyme BstF5I diagnosed five species. The enzyme FokI diagnosed E. merra, E. fuscogutatus, E. coioides, E. awoara, and E. moara. The enzyme HaeIII diagnosed E. lanceolatus, E. merra, E. fasciatus, E. coioides, and E. moara. RFLPs with 3 bands diagnosed 18 species by the enzymes HaeII, AluI, BseYI, BstF5I, FokI, HaeIII, HgaI, and MbOI. RFLPs with 2 bands diagnosed all species by 18 restriction enzimes. These results allow an increasing accuracy on the management and conservation of fishing resources. Financial support: PRODOC/CAPES - Minestry of Education, Brazil (Process 00197/03- 3 to RATorres), UFPE and Petrobras.

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