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 DN A markers (RAPDs) from two sibling cockle species and five other co-occurri ng intertidal bivalves. Amplification reactions with one single primer read ily distinguished larvae and adults of Cerastoderma edule from larvae and a dults of C. lamarcki, and from adults of Mya arenaria Macoma balthica, Scro bicularia plana, Venerupis pulastra and Mytilus edulis. Random amplified po lymorphic 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 mo rphological characters alone, such as marine bivalve larvae.