Revolutionizing Black Tiger Shrimp Breeding: SNP Array and Sex Marker Innovations

Recent research led by Australian scientists has made significant strides in the breeding of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) through the development of a validated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array. This new genomic tool precisely identifies the sex-determining locus, a groundbreaking advancement for the aquaculture industry. The study, supported by contributions from CSIRO and Genics, a leader in aquatic pathogen detection and genomic analysis, has been peer-reviewed and holds promise for the future of shrimp production.

Key Findings of the Research

By analyzing the genomes of both farmed and wild black tiger shrimp, the researchers designed a comprehensive panel of informative SNP markers specific to the species. Performance tests confirmed the panel’s strong efficacy and consistency across different shrimp stocks, making it suitable for both commercial farming and academic research. This tool not only clarifies genetic relationships among shrimp but also enables breeders to track genetic diversity, manage inbreeding, and make data-driven selections focusing on key traits like growth and survival rates.

Dr. James Kijas, the lead researcher at CSIRO, emphasized the importance of this SNP tool in various breeding applications: “This custom SNP tool will be invaluable for tracking levels of genetic diversity, managing inbreeding, and selecting populations for improved performance.”

Unlocking Genetic Secrets

One of the notable accomplishments of this research is the mapping of the genetic sex marker to a specific chromosome interval, resolving existing uncertainties regarding inheritance in black tiger shrimp. This clarity allows breeding programs to identify genetic sex, helping to minimize uncontrolled inbreeding and guiding strategies for trait selection linked to performance.

Dr. Melony Sellars, founder and CEO of Genics, considers this development a milestone for P. monodon: “For years, breeding ambitions have been constrained by inconsistent access to wild broodstock and limited visibility of the underlying genetics. This research changes that equation, enabling farmers worldwide to quantify diversity, manage risk, and accelerate genetic gain.”

Practical Applications for Producers

The immediate applications of this research are evident. Hatcheries can utilize genotyping to inform mating strategies that maintain genetic diversity while simultaneously aiming for specific improvements. Grow-out operations are encouraged to link performance data with genomic profiles, laying the groundwork for selecting traits that significantly impact farm efficiency.

As the Indo-Pacific aquaculture industry moves toward a more predictable and biosecure production model, these new genomic tools prove essential. The SNP array aligns perfectly with Genics’ existing applied genomics services for the Pacific white shrimp industry, or P. vannamei, through the ShrimpID program. This service facilitates parentage verification, relatedness analysis, and informed mate allocation, complementing the advances made in the current research.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

Dr. Ralf Moser, co-author and Chief Science Officer at Genics, underscored the emphasis on practical utility from the outset of the project: “We aimed to create a panel that performed well across multiple lineages and farming environments, not limited to a single reference population.” This effort has resulted in a validated marker set immediately applicable for breeders, from diversity checks to guided mate allocation, supporting genomic selection.

Dr. Sellars added, “When you can see the genetics clearly, you can plan clearly. This transition in the sector from potential to performance will lead to stronger broodstock management and more consistent results.”

Through Genics’ ShrimpID program for P. monodon, this high-density SNP marker panel provides crucial insights into genetic diversity and lineage tracing, ultimately optimizing stock performance in the aquaculture industry. This supports a broader mission to advance biosecurity and food security on a global scale.

Image credit: Genics