Genetic Variation of Wild and Hatchery Populations of Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792), in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

In order to increase the production of Anabas testudineus, selective breeding can be implemented to produce better performing stock. To initiate a successful selective breeding program, genetic variation is very important. This study was aimed to aid selective breeding of A. testudineus in Malaysia. Cytochrome b gene was selected as a molecular marker to investigate the current status of genetic variation in hatchery and wild populations of A. testudineus. Based on cytochrome b analysis, all existing hatchery populations in Malaysia belonged to a single haplotype. In contrast, five distinct haplotypes were discovered based on genotypic data of wild A. testudineus populations in Malaysia. Overall, this study recommended to introduce new genetic material from wild population to the synthetic base population to increase the genetic variation of the populations of A. testudineus. All of the information gathered is crucial to develop a sustainable selective breeding for A. testudineus and to improve quality and production of this species.