Genetic and morphometric variability assessment of wild and captive populations of the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus towards development of a selective breeding programme

Abstract

In order to increase 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 Anabas testudineus in Malaysia. Thus, morphological and molecular approach was adopted to investigate variation in hatchery stocks. In morphological approach, truss network method was applied to examine phenotypic variation of existing hatchery stocks. Cytochrome b gene was selected as a molecular marker to investigate the current status of genetic variation in hatchery stock. Growth performance of hatchery strain was conducted to evaluate performance of existing hatchery stock.