Post by ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE)

Exploring the hidden biodiversity of the Brahmaputra Basin! 🐟🧬 excited to share insights from a recent study published in Molecular Biology Reports (2024) regarding the Danionidae fish family in Northeast India. In a region where many species look nearly identical to the naked eye, DNA barcoding is proving to be a game-changer for conservation and taxonomy. 🔬 The Challenge The Brahmaputra River basin is a global biodiversity hotspot, but the morphological similarity between Danionidae species often makes traditional identification difficult. 🧬 The Solution: Molecular "Fingerprinting" Researchers utilized the mitochondrial COI gene (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) as a robust evolutionary marker to map the relationships between these species. 📊 Key Findings: Species Diversity: 17 species were recorded, with 9 high-quality barcodes successfully generated for molecular confirmation. High Genetic Variation: Interspecific distance (variation between species) ranged from 9.06% to 32.71%, allowing for clear delineation of different species. Phylogenetic Mapping: The study successfully mapped evolutionary clusters, identifying distinct groups within the Danioninae subfamily and its sister groups (Chedrinae and Rasborinas). This research highlights the vital role of molecular data in understanding and protecting the unique aquatic life of Assam. Authors: Manabjyoti Barman, Shashi Bhushan, Bipul Phukan, et al. #Biodiversity #DNAbarcode #MarineBiology #Brahmaputra #MolecularBiology #FishConservation #Genetics