Genetic characterization of seven clownfish species from the Jatinegara ornamental fish market using 16S rRNA DNA barcoding

Clownfish ( Amphiprion spp.) are among Indonesia’s most valuable marine ornamental fishes, yet populations are declining due to illegal and destructive fishing. Reliable species identification is essential for conservation and management. This study applied 16S rRNA DNA barcoding to seven species collected from the Jatinegara Ornamental Fish Market, Jakarta: Amphiprion ocellaris , A. sandaracinos , A. melanopus , A. biaculeatus , A. percula , A. polymnus , and A. clarkii . PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene followed by phylogenetic analysis revealed seven well-supported clusters, confirming the genetic distinctness of each species and reflecting their evolutionary relationships. Sequence similarity with NCBI references ranged from 98.24 % to 99.11 %, validating species assignments. The generated sequences have been deposited in GenBank (accessions PX396998–PX397010; SUB15653526 in process), ensuring long-term accessibility of these data. This study represents the first report of clownfish genetic information from Jatinegara and demonstrates the utility of 16S rRNA barcoding for accurate identification of ornamental reef fish. The results provide an important baseline for developing conservation strategies, supporting sustainable aquaculture, and combating illegal trade by enabling species authentication, particularly for taxa with high market value or restricted culture potential. These findings contribute to safeguarding Indonesia’s marine biodiversity through improved management of clownfish resources.