The Genetic Basis of Morphometric and Meristic Traits in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Abstract
In fishes, body shape, is a complex trait involving several genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in body form could lead to breeding strategies aimed at adapting body shape to captive environments.
In the present study, QTLs associated with morphometric and meristic traits in rainbow trout were identified using a genetic linkage map created from a cross of two clonal
lines divergent for morphology and life history (wild steelhead trout and domesticated rainbow trout). Genome regions associated with differences in morphological (body
depth, mouth orientation, caudal peduncle shape, anal and dorsal fin length) and meristic (number of skeletal elements of median and paired fins and of caudal fin) characters were identified. The identification of genomic locations influencing body morphology, even if only at a gross level, could be of pivotal importance to direct breeding strategies in commercial hatcheries towards the production of more desirable body types.