Vol. 1, Issue 12, Part A (2015)

Abstract
The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to examine the genetic variability in east and west coast penaeid prawn, P. monodon from two wild natural stocks (Chennai and Kochi). Initially, 20 oligonucleotide primers (OPA 1- 20, Bangalore Genei) were screened and only OPA-2 & 4 were selected to amplify DNA samples from these two sites. A total of 16 fractions for OPA-2 and 15 fractions for OPA-4, ranging in size from 0.0025 to 1.9 kb were scored. The unique RAPD fragments (markers) were detected by primer OPA-2 in Kochi population (0.1, 0.2, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 1.3, 1.9 kb) and OPA-4 from Chennai were revealed two unique fragments each in Kochi (0.80, 1.6 kb) and Chennai (0.0025, 0.95 kb) indicates that these two populations may be distinct genetic stocks. This data may provide baseline information on the genetic variation from one site each of east and west coast of Indian penaeid prawn, P. monodon sample populations for future management of the resource.