MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC STUDY BASED UPON MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME OF FRESHWATER FISHES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study presents a phylogenetic analysis of six freshwater fish species from Pakistan, utilizing molecular markers from the 12S and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes. We conducted PCR amplification and direct sequencing of gene fragments from Catla catla, Rita rita, Mystus seenghala, Labeo calbasu, and Bagarius bagarius. This analysis is the first molecular investigation of freshwater fish in Pakistan, offering insights into their evolutionary relationships. Results indicated that Labeo rohita belongs to the genus Labeo, with genetic similarities of 91.4% and 88% observed between Rita rita and Bagarius bagarius, respectively. Furthermore, Mystus seenghala and Catla catla showed similarities of 91.2% and 92.28% with Mystus refescens and Labeo catla. This research enhances our understanding of the taxonomy and diversification of these species in the region