An immunological study of the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus, Linnaeus)-specific 80 kDa protein in Taiwan fishes

Abstract

Scientists in Florida, USA, had identified a red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) — specific 80 kDa protein, which was applied in determining the predation mortality of newly released fish. Here, we verified the specificity of this protein in fish community of Taiwan. Using a specific rabbit antiserum, produced against the 80 kDa red drum protein, we tested 35 different species of fish collected around Taiwan for this protein by Western blots. Except in red drum, this specific 80 kDa protein was not detected in all other fish species tested. Our results confirm the specificity of the 80 kDa protein to red drum, indicating that this protein can be applied as a biomarker to locate otherwise unidentifiable red drum fish in Taiwan.