Gemfish – but which one?

Dr Andrea Armani from the Fish Lab of the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Pisa (Italy) is developing a genetic method for the identification of species of the gemfish family in the northern hemisphere (in particular Rexea pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum). These species are often mislabeled in the marketplace.

The genetic multiplex test will be available for use by private companies and governments to improve consumer confidence in the fishing industry. Andrea will be working with the COI gene of the mitochondrial genome.

The Molecular Fisheries Laboratory will help by sending some fin clips from Australian gemfish (Rexea solandri) for validation test.

R. solandri
The Australian gemfish (Rexea solandri)
R. pretiosus
The European gemfish (Rexea pretiosus).