Identification of 0- and 1-group redfish (genus Sebastes) using electrophoresis

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Authors: Nedreaas, Kjell, Nævdal, Gunnar
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1991
• Subjects: Articles; Atlantic redfish; Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/48/1/91; https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/48.1.91

The aim of this study was to develop and utilize electrophoretic methods for the taxonomic identification of Northeast Atlantic redfish (genus Sebastes ). Morphological traits are insufficient for proper identification of these species, particularly for 0- and 1-group individuals. Haemoglobins and 17 enzymes in white muscle, heart, eye, and liver have been analysed. In adult specimens only a few of these enzymes are useful for separating between the species, so only 4 enzymes were analysed for the 0- and 1-group fish. The enzymes were identified by histochemical staining procedures. 0- and 1-group S. viviparus could be identified by diagnostic phenotypes of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in all tissues, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in eye and muscle, and malic enzyme (ME) in liver. To identify 0- and 1-group specimens of S. mentella , blood samples are needed, as it is only the haemoglobin patterns that are diagnostic for this species. For positive identification of 0- and 1-group S. marinus , analysis of both haemoglobins and , e.g. MDH is necessary. However, in all three species, specimens less than 60 mm had not developed the adult haemoglobin pattern, thus making haemoglobin of no value in the classification of smaller 0-group specimens, and the separation of S. marinus and S. mentella specimens less than 60 mm impossible. The three species showed different frequency distributions of IDH (liver) and ME (muscle and liver) phenotypes, thus making it possible to estimate the most likely proportion of individuals from each species when they occur in a mixture.