MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIFICITY BY OYSTER SUBSTRATE Crassostrea spp. FROM THE COAST OF MARANHÃO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Oysters of the genus Crassostrea have a vast territorial distribution and are of great economic importance due to their nutritional value. The attachment substrate is one of the relevant factors for these bivalves, as their larvae can only develop after finding a suitable environment to begin their metamorphosis and become an adult organism. The taxonomic classification of Atlantic oysters of the genus Crasssostrea is still confusing, justifying the need for research in this area. This article carried out the molecular identification of oysters from the coast of the state of Maranhão and investigated the attachment substrates preferred by these molluscs. Adult oysters were collected in different environments from three municipalities in Maranhão (São José de Ribamar, Primeira Cruz and Tutóia) and identified by Multiplex PCR, using the COI and ITS1 genes as molecular markers. The species Crassostrea rhizophorae and Crassostrea gasar were identified at the two collection points in São José de Ribamar, coexisting in both mangrove and rocky substrate. In the municipalities of Primeira Cruz and Tutóia, only the species Crassostrea gasar was found, in mangrove and rocky material, respectively. Multiplex PCR has shown promise for identifying oyster species with morphological similarities and native to the coast of Maranhão, and can contribute to monitoring and understanding the distribution of these bivalves on the coast of Brazil. The species C. gasar is well distributed on the coast of Maranhão, occurring in all points evaluated and on different substrates.