Identification of sole (Solea solea) and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) by PCR amplification of the 5S rDNA gene

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the nuclear 5S rDNA gene, has been used for the identification of sole (Solea solea) and Greenland ha libut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). Two species-specific primers were des igned to amplify specific fragments of the 5S rDNA gene in each species. Th e remarkably different size of the amplicons obtained gives, by simple agar ose gel electrophoresis, two distinguishable band patterns for both flatfis h species. This genetic marker can be very useful for the accurate identifi cation of S. solea and Greenland halibut, to enforce labeling regulations.