Identification of a Balaenoptera edeni Specimen by Using Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (cyt b) gene (369*!bp) and its control region (933*!bp) of a stranded Baleen whale from Ruian City, Zhejiang Province were sequenced. The cyt b and control region sequences showed 6.78%—7.05% and 13.30%—14.40% divergence with those of Bryde whales living in Japanese and adjacent waters, respectively, whereas the cyt b gene was identical to that of Solomon whales and only a 0.28% difference was detected in the control region between them. The data suggest that the present sample is genetically different from Japanese Bryde whales, and should belong to the same species as those in Solomon waters, i.e. Pygmy Bryde whale (Sittang whale or Eden's whale), Balaenoptera edeni. The present study proves the feasibility and efficiency of using molecular techniques for species identification of whale meats or related products.