Wanniwat Suthamrit and Bungorn Thaewnon-Ngiw*
This study aims to examine the efficiency of mt-DNA (cytochrome c oxidase I) for the identification of freshwater crabs. One hundred thirty-eight fresh crabs were collected from 15 locations in five provinces in the Phetchabun Mountains (Loei, Phetchabun, Nongkhai, Udonthani, and Chaiyaphum) of Thailand. DNA extraction (claw tissue) of individual crab was amplified using PCR by COI primers. The PCR products were examined for nucleotide sequence before the genetic analysis. The result indicated there are 32 haplotypes. The phylogenetic tree showed a clear separation of three main clades. Clade A was classified to be Indochinamon bhumibol, Indochinamon ahkense, and Indochinamon mieni. Clade B was classified to be Iomon nan and Vietopotamon phuluangense. Clade C was classified of Larnaudia chaiyaphumi. This study is the first report of the genetic sequences of all 6 mountain crabs species.
