PCR-RFLP typing reveals a new invasion of Taiwanese Meretrix (Bivalvia: Veneridae) to Japan

Samples of three hard clam Meretrix spp. (M. lusoria, M. petechialis, and Taiwanese Meretrix) were collected from 12 localities in Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan between 2004 and 2013. PCR-RFLP analysis and nucleotide sequence analysis for the mtDNA COI region was performed on these samples. HincII and AseI restriction assay discriminated M. lusoria, M. petechialis, and Taiwanese Meretrix, corresponding to the relatively large nucleotide substitution (6.35–8.20 %). In Taiwan, M. lusoria was introduced from Japan in the 1920s; however, our results suggest that Taiwanese Meretrix is genetically differentiated from M. lusoria. As well, the exotic Taiwanese Meretrix was found from Nishinagisa on the north coast of Tokyo Bay, demonstrating the Taiwanese Meretrix now occurs with M. lusoria in its native habitat. Meretrix seedlings (Kumamoto origin) from a Taiwanese aquaculture facility has been released into Nishinagisa since 2008 suggesting the Taiwanese Meretrix is inadvertently mixed with the M. lusoria produced in the aquaculture facility. In contrast, all samples from Kisarazu, on the east coast of Tokyo Bay, were identified as M. lusoria despite there being mass releases of M. lusoria (Kumamoto origin) cultured in Taiwan since 2007. Quality control procedures are needed for future Meretrix spp. releases to prevent further spread of the Taiwanese Meretrix.
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