Morphological and Genetic Diversity Assessment of Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium spp.) in the Cairawan River, Antique Province, Panay Island, Philippines

Abstract

Freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium are among the most valuable cultured aquatic species in the world. The systematic study of Macrobrachium species in the Philippines has often been based on morphological trait assessment. Here, we combined morphology and molecular approaches to study the presence and actual distribution of Macrobrachium species along the Cairawan River in Laua-an, Antique Province, Panay Island. Using morphological characteristics, we identified 11 Macrobrachium species, the highest number of species reported from a single river. Molecular results based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences confirmed the morphological identification. The analysis revealed eight major clades with 19 distinct haplotypes within the species. Our results provide information on the identification of Macrobrachium species inhabiting the Cairawan River. The baseline information can be helpful for future genetic studies involving freshwater prawns with potential use in aquaculture. It can provide scientific data to facilitate the formulation of selective breeding plans and direct governance policies in freshwater prawn resource conservation and management in the Philippines.