DNA Barcoding of Teleost Fishes from North Luzon, Philippines: A Dataset for Ichthyofaunal Diversity Assessment

Reliable identification of teleost fishes is essential for understanding their biology and conserving biodiversity. To support this, a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library was developed for Aurora, Cagayan, and Zambales, Luzon, Philippines. A total of 1,513 specimens were collected from 27 sampling sites, including fish markets, landing areas, and freshwater habitats, and analyzed using COI (707 sequences) and 12S rRNA gene (343 sequences) markers. The dataset identified 323 fish species across 187 genera, 83 families, and 37 orders, including nine newly recorded species for the Philippines and nine deep-sea species (>200 meters). Additionally, 29 newly barcoded taxa were deposited in GenBank, with sequences available for COI, 12S rRNA gene, or both. The expansion of the 12S rRNA gene sequence library enhances its utility as an alternative genetic tool, particularly for environmental DNA (eDNA) studies. This reference database serves as a valuable resource for species identification, biodiversity assessments, and sustainable fisheries management in North Luzon, Philippines.