Carcharhinidae

DNA samples were extracted from sixteen unidentified shark tissue specimens and underwent PCR amplification of CO1 mitochondrial gene. DNA samples were assessed for presence and quality using agarose gel electrophoresis. Species identification was performed by importing finalized CO1 sequences into two DNA databases to ensure accurate identification. Phylogenic analysis was then conducted to determine relationships between identified species. Electrophoresis Electrophoresis of DNA run in 2% agarose gel showed successful extraction of DNA in samples 1-8, 12 and 14-16. Samples were of good quality with high molecular weights (Figure 2). Samples 11 and 13 in Row 1 of gel 2 were not easily visible and thus the molecular weight was difficult to determine (Figure 2). 100 bp ladders in Lanes 1 of gels indicated that DNA molecular size was consistent across all 16 samples however it was difficult to determine exact molecular size as DNA samples ranged outside 100bp ladder (Figure 2). PCR of finalized samples indicated clear presence of DNA and all samples were of a consistent molecular weight with no deterioration of the samples (Figure 3). Species Identification Of the 16 DNA samples analyzed, 10 different shark species were identified from the BLAST and BOLD systems databases (Table 1). According to the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species, Carcharhinus obscurus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Sphyrna zygaena and C. carcharias were listed as Vulnerable (Table 2). Carcharhinus limbatus,…

The Blacktip Reef Shark is native to the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Blacktip is listed under kingdom animalia, phylum chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Carcharhiniformes, family Carcharhinidae, and genus Carcharhinus. This shark was given its name based off of the blacktip at the end of its dorsal fin. This fin appears very vivid in the shark’s youth, but fades with age. The Blacktip Reef Shark will most likely grow to be 4.9 feet and weigh roughly 40 pounds,…