eDNA detections of freshwater eels from water samples.

We have already developed a new PCR marker for 19 species and subspecies of the genus Anguilla in eDNA metabarcoding. Subsequently, the study goals are to detect eDNA of freshwater eels from water samples and to demonstrate a perfomance of the primers. Water samples were collected two aquarium tanks, a controlled pound and four natural rives in Japan. A. japonica were visually observed in the controlled pound and natural rivers. The eDNA of some freshwater eels were detected eight eDNA samples. The results of eDNA detections corresponded with the species housed in two tanks and visual observation of A. japonica in the pound and rivers. It is suggested that the eDNA metabarcoding with the MiEel primers is expected to be powerful for identifying the presence and absence of this genus in aquatic environments.