A MULTIPLEX-PCR METHOD FOR USE IN REAL-TIME PCR FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FISH FILLETS FROM GROUPER (EPINEPHELUS SPP. AND MYCTEROPERCA SPP.) AND ITS USUAL SUBSTITUTION SPECIES

摘要

Grouper (Epinephelus spp. and Mycteroperca spp.) is a highly appreciated and expensive group of fish from Serranidae family. Their high demand and popularity, has lead to the substitution of its fillets with those of closely related species. In markets, grouper is frequently misidentified with Nile perch (Lates niloticus), and with the wreck fish (Polyprion americanus). This communication reports two alternative molecular approaches for a fast and accurate differential diagnosis of these three groupsof fishes.