Molecular characterization of spiny lobsters from the Saint Martins Island, Bangladesh: a new record of Panulirus longipes (A. Milne-Edwards, 1868)

In Bangladesh, spiny lobsters are vital to the economy as a key export. A total of 4 species of spiny lobsters from the genus Panulirus have been identified in Bangladeshi waters (Panulirus homarus, P. ornatus, P. polyphagus and P. versicolor). This study aimed to identify and update the existing list of spiny lobster species found in Bangladeshi waters by examining their morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic profile of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene marker. A new species, Panulirus longipes, was recorded for the first time from the Saint Martins Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. This species is characterized by white spots and longitudinal orange stripes on its walking legs. In the Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, the sequences of the same species were grouped together under a single clade for COI and demonstrating the effectiveness of marker genes in distinguishing between lobster species. The results indicate a new lobster species in Bangladesh, enhancing the known diversity of lobsters in the region and revealing previously undocumented species.