LAUSR

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is one of the most important fish on Mexican aquaculture and despite its productive potential, there is very few information regarding the distribution of Ictalurus species in Mexican territory. Sequencing of Cytochrome Oxidase I gene has proved to be very useful for the identification of fish specimens and sub-products. In the present, we report the molecular identification of 93 feral, commercial and domestic catfish individuals. All domestic fish were positively identified as channel catfish. Commercial samples were identified as Ictalurus punctatus, Ictalurus lupus, and Ictalurus furcatus, providing evidence that catfish represents a generic label for separate fish species. We also report the presence of feral I. punctatus on eight novel locations within Mexican territory, I. lupus on three and I. furcatus in one. Thus, we propose that molecular identification by DNA barcoding represents a powerful tool in the study of catfish populations and sub-products.