Taiwan Fish Eggs and Larvae DNA Barcode Database

Fish eggs and larval stages play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem; however, their rapidly changing morphological characteristics and the absence of distinct diagnostic features make species identification based solely on morphology challenging. This study utilizes DNA barcoding technology (COI gene) to establish a comprehensive database of fish eggs and larval fish in the coastal waters off Taiwan. This database enhances species identification accuracy and serves as a scientific foundation for biodiversity conservation and fisheries resource management. A total of 7,602 records of fish egg and larval fish were collected from the waters surrounding Taiwan between 2004 and 2023 and identified using DNA barcoding technology. By comparing the sequences with the NCBI and BOLD databases, the dataset was found 1112 taxa encompass 24 orders, 158 families, 500 genera, and 844 fish species. This database facilitates studies on the early life stages of fish in Taiwanese waters and serves as a scientific foundation for conservation and fisheries resource management. This database provides comprehensive spatial and temporal distribution data on fish eggs and larvae in the waters surrounding Taiwan, contributing to a better understanding of fish spawning seasons, spawning grounds, and resource fluctuations. It serves as a valuable reference for biodiversity conservation and fisheries resource management in Taiwanese waters.