Molecular identification of cephalopod species by FINS and PCR-RFLP of a cytochrome b gene fragment

Identification of commercial species is a relevant issue to assure the correct labeling of seafood products. In this work two different molecular techniques, FINS (Forensically Informative Nucleotide Sequencing) and PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) were developed to identify 8 cephalopod species (families Loliginidae and Ommastrephidae) employing a fragment of the cytochrome b gene. DNA amplification for all of the species was carried out with a new set of specific primers designed in this study for cephalopods. FINS is a technique based on DNA sequencing, while PCR-RFLP allows direct species identification by comparing specific DNA restriction patterns. Both techniques are useful for cephalopod species identification. 17 food products (mainly "squid rings") were analyzed and the species employed for their manufacture identified by FINS.