Genetic parameters and quantitative trait loci analysis associated with body size and timing at metamorphosis into glass eels in captive-bred Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica)

The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is among the most important aquaculture fish species in Eastern Asia. The present study aimed to identify the genetic parameters underlying body size and the timing at metamorphosis from leptocephali to glass eels in captive-bred Japanese eels, with the intent to foster sustainable development. Larvae from a partly factorial cross (14 sires × 11 dams) were reared until the point of metamorphosis into glass eels. In these organisms, we observed moderate heritability and mild genetic correlations among traits related to body size (h2 = 0.16–0.33) and timing at metamorphosis (h2 = 0.36–0.41). In an F1 full-sib family, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for these traits identified one significant (genome-wide P P de novo genome assembly. The information and tools generated from this study will contribute to the development of freshwater eel genetics and genomics.

日本鳗鲡（Anguilla japonica）是东亚地区最重要的水产养殖鱼类物种之一。本研究旨在鉴定人工繁育日本鳗鲡的体型及从柳叶鳗变态为玻璃鳗的时间相关遗传参数，以推动其可持续发展。研究采用部分因子交配设计（14尾公鱼×11尾母鱼）获得的仔鱼，饲养至变态为玻璃鳗的阶段。在该群体中，我们观察到体型相关性状存在中等遗传力与微弱遗传相关（h²=0.16–0.33），变态时间相关性状的遗传力为0.36–0.41。在一个F1全同胞家系中，对上述性状开展数量性状位点（Quantitative Trait Locus, QTL）定位，依托高质量的从头组装基因组，共鉴定出1个全基因组水平显著（P<0.05）及2个潜在显著（P<0.10）的位点。本研究产生的信息与工具将助力淡水鳗鲡遗传学与基因组学领域的发展。