Multiplex conventional and real-time PCR for fish species identification of Bianchetto (juvenile form of Sardina pilchardus), Rossetto (Aphia minuta), and Icefish in fresh, marinated and cooked products

► Bianchetto and Rossetto valuable fishes fraudulently substituted with Icefish. ► Conventional and real-time multiplex PCRs were developed for their identification. ► Primers designed produced amplicons with different length and melting temperature. ► Other close species could be also identified. ► Both PCR methods could be applied for fresh and processed products.