Construction of genetic linkage map for Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and mapping of the sex determination region

Elucidation of the sex determination (SD) mechanism in the Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is required for exploiting its economic potential by production of mono-sex progeny. The objective of the current study is to construct a first generation linkage map of the Flathead grey mullet with emphasis on detection and characterization of its sex determination region. The mapping family (n=48) consisted of full-sib progeny that were validated by genotyping of 9 microsatellite genetic markers. The deep sequencing data of a single male from the mapping family was assembled and aligned to the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genome.