DNA barcoding for fish species identification: current status and future prospective

DNA barcoding seems to be a promising approach for discovery of newer fish species, taxonomic identification, characterization and facilitating biodiversity studies. It supports researchers to appreciate genetic and phylogenetic associations by collection of molecular, morphological, and distributional data. Fish DNA barcoding is based on the sequencing of a uniform area of Cytochrome C Oxidase type I (COI) gene, has received significant interest as an accurate tool for species identification, authentication, and phylogenetic analysis. In recent times, taxonomic approach for fish species identification is achieved with a greater efficiency by integrating DNA sequence information with morphological traits. With the development of novel and faster sequencing techniques, DNA barcoding holds great promise in the assessment, analysis and conservation of aquatic biodiversity. The aim of this review article is to investigate recent global status, approaches, and future direction of DNA barcoding in fisheries.