The phenotype, sex ratio and gonadal development in triploid hybrids of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ♀ and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) ♂.

Abstract

The phenotype, genetic sex ratio and gonadal development characteristics were evaluated in randomly selected juvenile (15 months old), sub-adult (22 months old) and adult (30 months old) triploid hybrids of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The examined fish originated from the family produced by application High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) shock (9500 psi for 5 minutes, applied 35 minutes post-fertilization at 10°C) to eggs stripped from five rainbow trout females and fertilized with sperm of two brook trout males. After hatching, all fish were reared under the same conditions for three years. The ploidy level and hybrid status of the fish were confirmed through cytogenetic analysis and DNA genotyping. Three distinct phenotypes; trout-like (Tr-l) phenotype, salmon-like (Sa-l) phenotype and intermediate (Tr/Sa-l) phenotype, with the following frequencies: f= 50.8 %, f= 31.7 % and f= 17.5 %, respectively, were observed among the sampled specimens. Genetic males exclusively detected among individuals with Tr-l phenotype developed macroscopically visible and histologically functional testes in their second year of life, representing the lowest value for the aquaculture production. A comparable proportion of males and females was recorded among individuals with Sa-l and Tr/Sa-l phenotypes. Males with these phenotypes developed macroscopically distinguishable and histologically functional testes in their third year of life. In the genetic males, underdeveloped intersex or completely reduced gonads were recorded. This study revealed that individuals with Sa-l phenotype represent the greatest value for commercial production because of their unique appearance and complete sterility (females) or delayed maturation observed only after reaching the market size (males).