Genetic Recombination of the Mantle Color Pattern of Two Boring Giant Clam (Tridacna crocea) Strains

According to the RGB law display, polymorphism of giant clam mantle color pattern is through four iridocytes. The boring ( Tridacna crocea ) exhibits diverse colors, including blue, green, purple, gold, and orange. In order evaluate genetic laws driving these patterns, a complete diallel cross between two strains [blue strain (only blue iridocyte) yellow-green (yellow green iridocytes)] was performed. Using single-to-single mating system, intra-strain crosses (BB YY) reciprocal inter-strain (BY YB) were produced in triplicates. Higher fertilization rate hatching observed all experimental groups, suggesting that there no sperm–egg recognition barrier strains. grow-out stage, size hybrids larger than pure with degree heterosis. addition, compared strains, have higher larval metamorphosis survival rate. At 1 year age, showed 100% stable inheritance, while exhibited colorful patterns (a combination yellow, green), recombination colors during expression period. These results provide theoretical basis for formation its segregation law, as well guidance breeding clams.