In last decades, genomics has allowed the development of a wide range of tools to identify and improve the number of informative SNP markers, mainly in non-model species. These molecular markers have been extensively used in species identification, parental assignment, characterization of genetic variability, forensic analysis, traceability, and other applications. However, the use of many markers for species identification can become impractical for routine applications. Otherwise, using a single molecular marker is not always sufficient and can sometimes lead to erroneous conclusions. In the present study, we searched for the most informative SNPs that enable discrimination among six abalone species: green (H. fulgens), pink (H. corrugata), red (H. rufescens), black (H. cracherodii), white (H. sorenseni), and pinto/threaded abalone (H. kamtschatkana assimilis). These abalone species inhabit the northeast (NE) Pacific coast and have high commercial and ecological importance in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. SNP markers were identified by RADseq. Unique SNPs for each species were evaluated and selected for their potential use in species assignment, as a rapid identification tool for routine monitoring of fishery products. Applying these species-specific SNPs in a standardized assay permit the traceability of these abalone species. This assay will contribute to the management and conservation of this natural resource. Ultimately this work will be patented and developed as a commercially available kit to identify abalone species from the NE Pacific region.
Key words: Abalones Mexico, Molecular markers, species identification