Mitochondrial CO1 genetic marker-based species diversity of cuttlefish (Cephalopod; Mollusk) in Manado Bay and Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

This study determines cuttlefish species from Manado Bay and Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, based upon the mitochondrial CO1 genetic marker. Sample collection used SCUBA gear and fishermen catch. Seven cuttlefish specimens were collected in this study. DNA genomes of the samples were extracted, and CO1 gene fragments were amplified through PCR and sequenced using Big Dye© terminator chemistry (Perkin Elmer). Species identification was conducted with BLAST method. Results showed that there were four species of cuttlefish in Manado Bay and Lembeh Strait, Sepia latimanus, S. pharaonis, Metasepia g, and Sepia ramani. S. latimanus was represented by 4 individuals, and the rests by only one individual. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all samples were separated into 4 species groups, SP1, SP3. SP4 and SP10 (group1), SP5 (group2), SP6 (group3) and SP11 (group4). All species belong to important fisheries resources, but they are in insufficient data status, both fishing rate and population level.