Classification of Bunnei Barbus sharpeyi (Gunther, 1874) and Gattan Barbus xanthopterus (Heckel, 1843) Iraqi fishes by using proteins electrophoretic pattern

The objective of this study was to classification of Bunnei (Barbus sharpeyi) and Gattan (Barbus xanthopterus) Iraqi fishes by using muscle proteins electrophoretic pattern. Ten individuals of Bunni and twelve of Gattan were collected from the region of Al-Siweira in Wasit province at a weight (2000 ± 36) g and an average total length (28 ± 2.5) cm, samples of 1.0 gm of fish muscle were taken from individuals to determined electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins. Results revealed that electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins were similar between the two fish species. But, Gattan predominant Bunnei in the number of separated proteins. Gattan muscle proteins were separated into 21 protein bands, whereas Bunni muscle proteins were separated into 16 protein bands. Also, the two fish species were differed in the percentage values of the separated protein bands. No significant variations in the electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins due to sex within species were noticed. In conclusion, the ability of using electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins as a good diagnostic tool for Bunnei and Gattan fishes classification.