Intravital Genotyping of the Japanese Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka, 1867) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), for Aquaculture and Population Genetics Studies

DNA extraction of the Japanese sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka, 1867), was performed from the tube feet and from the longitudinal muscle band as a control. DNA isolated from the tube feet was of a high quality and suitable for further molecular genetics studies. The ability to obtain genetic material from living individual opens new prospects for population monitoring, release of individuals back to the environment, and selection of aquatic organisms with high levels of polymorphism for breeding in aquaculture.