Species identification of bivalve larvae using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD):: differentiation between Cerastoderma edule and C-lamarcki

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to produce species-specific DNA markers (RAPDs) from two sibling cockle species and five other co-occurring intertidal bivalves. Amplification reactions with one single primer readily distinguished larvae and adults of Cerastoderma edule from larvae and adults of C. lamarcki, and from adults of Mya arenaria Macoma balthica, Scrobicularia plana, Venerupis pulastra and Mytilus edulis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is suggested as a simple and quick method to determine species identity in taxa that are difficult to identify on the basis of morphological characters alone, such as marine bivalve larvae.