Congruence of three molecular DNA markers assays used to identify species within the blue mussel species - complex

Abstract

Guzman HS, Toro JE, Illesca A and Oyarzun PA

The blue mussel species-complex is composed of several closely related species: Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758), Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) and Mytilus trossulus (Gould, 1850); and more recently Mytilus chilensis (Hupé, 1854). These mussel species are morphologically similar, and they hybridize wherever their geographical distributions overlap. The species identity and the composition of Mytilus spp. in any northern or southern hemisphere coastal zone became important because of their ecological and economical importance. Therefore, here we examine the congruence of three molecular markers to identify these Mytilus species.