Fish species identification by isoelectric focusing: sarcoplasmic protein polymorphism in monkfish (Lophius americanus).

Monkfish (Lophius americanus) sarcoplasmic protein patterns were found to be polymorphic with respect to separations using isoelectric focusing. Reproducible protein pattern variations were not detected using cellulose acetate or polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. Monkfish sarcoplasmic proteins separated on pH 3.5-9.5 Ampholine PAGplates or on pH 2.5-9.0 agarose IEF gels yielded similar patterns showing 3 distinct, reproducible variations. On close examination, the pH 3.5-9.5 Ampholine PAGplate patterns could be further subdivided into 3 additional variations. A high resolution pH 3.5-5.0 agarose IEF gel was able to resolve a total of 10 different monkfish pattern variations in a sample of 24 individuals. A model was proposed suggesting the existence of 16 distinct variations in the monkfish sarcoplasmic protein pattern, based on the various combinations of 4 protein bands. In identifying samples of monkfish meat, it is necessary to compare the unknown pattern with the possible variant patterns to effect a reliable identification. On recommendation by the Associate Referee, the method for fish species identification based on polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing, 18.A01-18.A04, has been adopted official final action with no restrictions as to the species that may be identified.