Molecular identification and genetic variation studies in economically important cephalopods at Beypore Fishing Harbour (Kozhikode), South West coast of India

Cephalopods are ecologically and economically important marine groups in the world. Biodiversity description is essential for sustainable utilization of natural resources to characterize biological entities conservation. DNA barcoding an effective tool used identification organisms at species level been widely delineate several ambiguity species. In this study, partial sequence mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) gene with a mean size 680 bp was amplified by universal primers. Totally 13 individuals comprising three species, were barcoded genetic variation analysed. The maximum A+T content (67.60%) recorded Cistopus indicus minimum (63.70%) Sepioteuthis lessoniana. K2P distance (0.268) found between genus whereas (0.188) observed Uroteuthis Sepia. neighbour joining tree revealed distinct clades represents Loligonidae, Sepiidae Octopodidae high boot strap values. However, lessoniana showing bifurcated branch it may due co-occurring cryptic till date treated as complex.