Characterization of three species from the subfamily Leuciscinae (Pisces, Cyprinidae) using the nuclear ITS-1 rDNA spacer.

Fish species from the subfamily Leuciscinae are an important part of the European ichthyofauna. The abundance of this fish group has decreased in some natural populations because of human impact and partly by interspecific hybridization. The objective of the present study was to use the ITS-1 rDNA spacer for identification of the European chub, the common dace and the ide. The examination was conducted using the PCR-RFLP technique. PCR products of closely-related species were discriminated using Hinfl and Smal restriction endonucleases. Characteristic RFLP patterns observed in this study offer a simple method for distinguishing the species, thus providing an additional method of identification useful in fish management, biodiversity conservation and aquaculture.