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Efficiency of Scleractinian-Specific eDNA Metabarcoding Using Specimens from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan
Haruhi Narisoko1, Fumihiko Nagata2, Kanako Hisata1
1Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
Zoological Science
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Environmental DNA metabarcoding effectively monitors scleractinian corals at the genus level. This robust technique accurately identifies coral genera from tank water, even rare species, with further sequencing enhancing its coral reef monitoring capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Molecular Ecology
- Environmental DNA Analysis
Background:
- Scleractinian-specific environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA-M) using mitochondrial 12S rDNA is valuable for coral monitoring.
- Questions persist regarding the efficiency and robustness of eDNA-M for zooxanthellate scleractinians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the robustness of scleractinian-specific eDNA metabarcoding.
- To evaluate the efficiency of eDNA-M in identifying coral genera in controlled aquarium environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized coral culturing tanks at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium for testing.
- Employed eDNA metabarcoding targeting mitochondrial 12S rDNA to analyze tank effluent.
- Sequenced mitochondrial 12S rDNA for previously undetected genera.
Main Results:
- eDNA-M identified 29 genera in an exhibition tank, later updated to 36 out of 37 genera after sequencing missing taxa.
- The method successfully detected coral genera present as single colonies.
- Comparable results were observed in outdoor culture tanks, with potential detection of contamination from natural seawater.
Conclusions:
- Scleractinian-specific eDNA metabarcoding is a robust tool for coral monitoring.
- Further sequencing of mitochondrial 12S rDNA is necessary to expand the detectable range of scleractinian genera.
- eDNA-M shows high potential for comprehensive coral reef ecosystem assessments.
