Field and DNA-barcode based surveys reveal evidence of rare endemic fishes in the Rufiji River Basin
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Date
2024-09-19
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
Endemic fish species have long supported the livelihoods of local communities in the Rufiji
River Basin (RRB). However, destructive fishing practices have led to a concerning decline
in endemic fish stocks. To assess these changes, this study employed key informant inter-
views, focus group discussions (FGDs), and fishery surveys to assess the historical and
contemporary distribution of endemic fishes within the RRB. DNA barcoding was also used
to verify species identities. Out of 37 reported fish species, 33 species (54.55% endemic
and 45.45% exotic to RRB) were confirmed through DNA barcoding and morphological
characteristics. About 5 species including, Heterobranchus longifilis, Citharinus congicus,
Labeo congoro, Mormyrus longirostris, and Labeobarbus leleupanus were rarely found in
the field, despite being classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Additionally, five species that
were reported to be present in the RRB by experienced fishers were not captured during
sampling. This highlights the need for validation of the existence of such species through
eDNA metabarcoding. Moreover, due to the rarity of some species in the area, their IUCN
assessment should be revisited.
Description
Field and DNA-barcode
Keywords
Freshwater fish, DNA barcoding, Sequence databases, Fish, Phylogenetic analysis, DNA extraction Fisheries, Seasons
Citation
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0310387