Reference Standard Sequence Library (RSSL) for Seafood Identification
The Reference Standard Sequence Library (RSSL) for Seafood Identification is a searchable database containing DNA reference “barcode” sequences (FASTA format), and other data, for seafood species currently marketed in the United States, with additional closely related species included, as available, for increased resolution. All specimens included in the RSSL are authenticated, meaning a taxonomic identification of a reference specimen was made by a trained specialist using appropriate identification manuals and/or primary literature (original species descriptions). Most samples are also vouchered, meaning they are preserved and stored in biological repositories. The purpose of the RSSL is to provide sufficient taxonomic resolution to make accurate identifications of seafood products marketed in the United States using the FDA validated method for DNA barcoding.
Clicking on a scientific name will open a detail page for each species that includes the DNA reference sequence(s) for that specimen(s), and additional metadata, including photographs for the specimen used to generate the reference sequence, and museum voucher information, where available. A key to voucher locations is included below.
FDA Acceptable Market Names and Common Names contained in this database are derived from The Seafood List which identifies seafood species currently marketed in the United States. For additional related species not currently marketed in the United States (i.e., FDA Acceptable Market Names not available), only common names are provided, for reference, from external authoritative sources such as: ITIS: Integrated Taxonomic Information System, Fishbase, American Fisheries Society, and FAO, among others. For the most up to date information regarding the Acceptable Market Name(s) or Common Name(s) for seafood sold in interstate commerce in the United States, please consult The Seafood List.
Please direct questions and feedback about the RSSL to the Division of Seafood Safety at seafoodhaccp@fda.gov.
Searching the RSSL: A “Basic Search” is the default search mode for finding a species which is usually sufficient; however, the “Advanced Search” and “Field Search” tabs are available for selective searching options. The “Advanced Search” allows for multiple criteria to be used to narrow the objective of the search. The “Field Search” allows a specific column search.
The RSSL is sorted alphabetically (A to Z) by default using the “Scientific Name” column. Clicking on a different column heading in the RSSL will sort the list alphabetically (A to Z) by that column. Double clicking on the sorted header will reverse the display order (Z to A).
The RSSL contains the following information on the Main Page (MP) and/or the Detail Page (DP):
- Sample ID: A unique sample identifier derived from the source of the specimen. Located on the MP and DP.
- Scientific Names: is the Latin name of the fish species identified through binomial nomenclature which are assigned by taxonomists in the scientific literature. Located on the MP and DP.
- Type: Indicates the classification of the fish. The abbreviations are as follows: V = Vertebrate; I = Invertebrate; and I(C) = Invertebrate (Crustacean). Located on the MP.
- Requirements (R): Indicates there is an established law, rule, or regulation that is linked to that listing which provides the requirements for naming the fish either as “must be used” or “prohibited from use.” Refer to the Detail Page of The Seafood List for the link to the specifics law, rule, or regulation. Located on the MP.
- (♦) Diamond symbol [formerly the asterisk (*)]: indicates the name(s) that must be used for that species
- (†) Dagger symbol: indicates the name(s) prohibited from use for that species
- Acceptable Market Name(s): Identifies the fish to U.S. consumers. All market names are retrieved directly from The Seafood List. An “NA” in this column indicates related species not included in The Seafood List. Located on the DP.
- Common Name(s): Identifies additional names of a specific fish to U.S. consumers. Where available, common names are retrieved from The Seafood List. For fish not included in The Seafood List, as indicated by an “NA” in the Acceptable Market Name column, common names are provided for reference from external authoritative sources. Located on the DP.
- Vouchered: Authenticated specimen that has been preserved and deposited in a curated and accessible collection. Located on the MP.
- Some specimens are marked as E-Vouchered, meaning they are electronically vouchered using photography. This is due to the large size of certain species.
- Voucher Location: Identifies the location of the voucher specimen. Located on DP and MP.
- Voucher Number: The voucher number as catalogued by the holding institution. Located on the MP and DP.
- Date Posted: The date a specimen was added to the RSSL. Located on the DP.
- Date Modified: The date a specimen was modified in the RSSL. Changes to the scientific name, sample ID, voucher information, common name (for species not included in The Seafood List), or DNA sequence constitute a change. For the most up to date information regarding the Acceptable Market Name(s) or Common Name(s) for seafood sold in interstate commerce in the United States, please consult The Seafood List. This field only displays if the sample has been modified. Located on the DP.
- Search the Seafood List: A link provided to search The Seafood List for included species. Please note, not all species contained in the RSSL have a corresponding listing in The Seafood List. Located on the DP.
- Metadata: Other relevant data for the sample such as source or collection information. Located on the DP.
- COI 5' Barcode (655bp): A primary 5' barcode (655bp in length) is provided for all species in the RSSL. Located on the DP.
- COI 3' Barcode (475bp): A secondary 3' reverse barcode (475bp in length) is provided for some shrimp species. Located on the DP.
- Image: Photo of the associated reference specimen provided when available. Located on the DP.
- Flickr: A link to full resolution image, hosted on the FDA Flickr account. Located on the DP.
- Photographer: The author of the images, if provided. Located on the DP.
Seafood | HACCP | Main Page | FDA - This page provides access to content about seafood, including fish and shellfish, from across the Food section of FDA.gov.
Download the RSSL: The data in the RSSL is available for download, including the Sample ID, Scientific Name, Type, Voucher Status, Acceptable Market Name(s), Common Names, Voucher Location, Voucher Number, Date Posted, Date Modified, Metadata, and both COI barcodes. The output is a .csv file which may be opened and saved as .csv or standard Excel format. Click on the Download Data link below to access the data.
Please be advised that this website contains links to non-federal websites. You may read the full disclaimer for accessing these websites here.
Download data from this searchable database in Excel format. If you need help accessing information in different file formats, see Instructions for Downloading Viewers and Players.
| Sample ID | Scientific Name | Type | R | Acceptable Market Name(s) | Common Name(s) | Vouchered |
Voucher Location |
Voucher Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA 001 2 | Sphoeroides nephelus |
|
Puffer | Southern Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 001 3 | Sphoeroides nephelus |
|
Puffer | Southern Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 001 4 | Sphoeroides nephelus |
|
Puffer | Southern Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 002 1 | Sphoeroides testudineus |
|
Puffer | Checkered Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 002 3 | Sphoeroides testudineus |
|
Puffer | Checkered Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 002 4 | Sphoeroides testudineus |
|
Puffer | Checkered Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 003 2 | Sphoeroides spengleri |
|
Puffer | Bandtail Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 003 4 | Sphoeroides spengleri |
|
Puffer | Bandtail Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 004 1 | Lutjanus griseus |
|
Snapper | Gray Snapper |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 004 2 | Lutjanus griseus |
|
Snapper | Gray Snapper |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 005 1 | Lophius litulon |
|
Monkfish | Yellow Goosefish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 005 2 | Lophius litulon |
|
Monkfish | Yellow Goosefish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 005 3 | Lophius litulon |
|
Monkfish | Yellow Goosefish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 006 | Ostracion rhinorhynchos |
|
NA | Horn-nosed Boxfish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 007 1 | Takifugu poecilonotus |
|
NA | Finepatterned Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 007 2 | Takifugu poecilonotus |
|
NA | Finepatterned Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 007 3 | Takifugu poecilonotus |
|
NA | Finepatterned Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 008 1 | Takifugu pardalis |
|
NA | Panther Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 008 2 | Takifugu pardalis |
|
NA | Panther Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 008 3 | Takifugu pardalis |
|
NA | Panther Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 009 1 | Takifugu snyderi |
|
NA | Shosai-fugu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 009 2 | Takifugu snyderi |
|
NA | Shosai-fugu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 010 | Takifugu chinensis |
|
NA | Karasu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 011 | Takifugu vermicularis |
|
NA | Pear Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 012 | Takifugu ocellatus |
|
NA | Eclipse Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 013 1 | Takifugu niphobles |
|
NA | Kasafugu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 013 2 | Takifugu niphobles |
|
NA | Kasafugu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 013 3 | Takifugu niphobles |
|
NA | Kasafugu Puffer |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 014 | Rhomboplites aurorubens |
|
Snapper | Vermilion Snapper |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 015 | Morone saxatilis |
|
Bass | Striped Bass |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 017 | Paralichthys lethostigma |
|
Flounder or Fluke | Southern Flounder |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 018 | Morone americana |
|
Perch, White | White Perch |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 019 | Centropristis striata |
|
Sea Bass | Black Sea Bass |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 020 | Oreochromis niloticus |
|
Tilapia | Nile Tilapia |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 021 | Urophycis chuss |
|
Hake | Red Hake |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 022 1 | Merluccius bilinearis |
|
Whiting | Silver Hake |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 022 2 | Merluccius bilinearis |
|
Whiting | Silver Hake |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 023 | Micropogonias undulatus |
|
Croaker | Atlantic Croaker |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 024 | Salmo salar |
|
Salmon, Atlantic | Atlantic Salmon |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 025 | Leiostomus xanthurus |
|
Spot | Spot |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 026 | Stenotomus chrysops |
|
Porgy or Scup | Scup |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 027 | Pomatomus saltatrix |
|
Bluefish | Bluefish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 028 | Ictiobus cyprinellus |
|
Buffalofish | Bigmouth Buffalo |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 029 | Ocyurus chrysurus |
|
Snapper | Yellowtail Snapper |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 030 | Cyprinus carpio |
|
Carp | Common Carp |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 031 1 | Chilomycterus schoepfii |
|
NA | Striped Burrfish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 031 2 | Chilomycterus schoepfii |
|
NA | Striped Burrfish |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 032 | Scomberomorus regalis |
|
Mackerel, Spanish | Cero |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 033 | Mugil cephalus |
|
Mullet | Striped Mullet |
|
|
|
|
| FDA 034 | Peprilus paru |
|
Butterfish | Harvestfish |
|
|
|
| Sample ID | Scientific Name | Type | R | Acceptable Market Name(s) | Common Name(s) | Vouchered |
Voucher Location |
Voucher Number |
|---|
