Reassessment of the fish diversity of Chilika Lagoon by DNA barcoding: Genetic evidence and new distribution records for 10 species

The present study adopted a rapid and reliable molecular-based species identification technique to elucidate the fish genetic diversity from Chilika Lagoon, India. We generated 155 DNA barcode data representing 63 morphospecies and 10 putative species. All the morphospecies exhibited monophyletic clustering in the BA topology with high posterior probability supports. The integrated approach revealed a new record of 10 fish species from Chilika Lagoon. The present study also elucidates the genetic evidence for the members of three genera (Hypoatherina, Odontamblyopus, and Scombrops) from Chilika Lake. In addition, the study hinted more rigorous sampling and molecular information are required for the existing congeners of eight genera (Butis, Glossogobius, Moolgarda, Pisodonophis, and Stolephorus) to validate their actual diversity in this Ramsar site. This genetic information would be helpful for both scientific management of the species diversity of the dynamic ecosystem of Chilika Lagoon and the fish entrepreneurs in India.