Multiplex species-specific PCR identification of native giant clams in the South China Sea: A useful tool for application in giant clam stock management and forensic identification

Abstract In an effort to develop molecular tools for giant clam species identification, this study reveals the usefulness of a multiplex species-specific PCR for the reliable, rapid and low-cost identification of five giant clam species found in the South China Sea: Hippopus hippopus, Tridacna maxima, Tridacna derasa, Tridacna squamosa and Tridacna noae. We used the mitochondrial COI gene for marker development. Five reverse primers and a common forward primer were designed to generate five different size species-specific PCR fragments. These six primers were combined in a multiplex PCR to enable identification of five giant clam species in a single reaction. This molecular approach provides a simple and rapid identification of the giant clam species from the South China Sea, thus increasing the efficiency and quality of giant clam stock management, protecton and forensic identification by reducing the risk of wrong species identification.