Identification of Two Channel Catfish Stocks,Ictalurus punctatus,Cultivated in Northeast Mexico

The channel catfish farming in Mexico began in the 1970s. One of the most important areas of production is its northeastern region. Traditionally, the channel catfish farmers have attempted to preserve their original genetic stock. After more than 30 yr of production, the genetic relationship between stocks has not been assessed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the genetic differentiation between five channel catfish farm populations, using 13 microsatellite markers. A total of 154 fin clip samples were collected from five channel catfish farms in Tamaulipas. We also included 31 individuals of the commercial strain NWAC103. In each population, we calculated parameter of genetic variability: inbreeding coefficient (F_IS), pairwise differentiation (F_ST), and genetic distance (D_C). For the inference of populations and individual assignment two Bayesian methods were used. Genetic variability parameters were N_A = 9.54–11.08 and A_E = 5.40–6.67. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium deviations were observed for all farm populations examined, and a deficit of heterozygotes was found. Signals of inbreeding were observed, particularly for the ACU (Acuamex) hatchery. Populations EKA (Empresas Karol) and ACU showed higher genetic differentiation values with respect to the commercial strain (F_ST = 0.107; F_ST = 0.082, respectively). Moderated genetic differences (F_ST = 0.067; D_C = 0.080) were observed between the EKA and ACU. Clustering analysis revealed a well‐defined group between EKA and TPA (El Tiron Parejo). In the Bayesian analysis three groups were defined. The first group was formed by EKA and TPA, the second group included ACU, LAJ (La Lajilla), and PRO (Prodatec). In the third group was the commercial strain. In the assignment of individuals, EKA and ACU were represented by exclusive genotypes. Identification of two genetic stocks, one located in the EKA and the other in the ACU population, will be relevant for future management of these hatcheries. Additionally, the information from microsatellites and the statistical procedures presented will be important tools for genetic monitoring of these farm populations.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) revealed by DNA microsatellites

To assess the genetic diversity of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, a total of 250 fish from five Egyptian populations were genotyped using six microsatellite markers. Heterozygosity and Wright's F‐statistics (F_IS, F_ST, and F_IT) were calculated to determine the genetic variation within and between these populations. Observed heterozygosities were in the range of 0.4 (Burullus) to 0.96 (Qena), with F_IS values ranging from 0.082 to 0.282. The mean F_ST showed that approximately 96.5% of the genetic variation was within‐population and 3.5% was among populations. Standard genetic distances were used to classify the five populations into two major groups. The deeper lotic river Nile populations of Assuit and Cairo formed one group and the shallow less lotic Delta lakes populations of Manzalla and Burullus formed the second group, with the upstream Nile Qena population being an outgroup. The findings from the current study help understanding of the broad‐scale population structuring of the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) allowing the population groupings identified to act as potential sources of genetic variation. These populations could be included in future Marker‐Assisted‐Selection programs for economically desired production traits.     

Evidence for genetic distinction among sympatric ecotypes of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in south‐western Alaskan lakes

Resource polymorphism may play an important role in the process of speciation. The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) exhibits great phenotypic and genetic diversity across its range, making it an ideal species for studies of resource polymorphism and divergence. Here, we investigated genetic variation at 11 microsatellite loci among 287 Arctic char from five isolated yet proximate postglacial lakes in south‐western Alaska that were previously examined for resource polymorphism. Significant differences in pairwise F_ST were detected among all lakes (range from 0.05 to 0.28, all P < 0.02). In one lake (Lower Tazimina Lake), we found evidence for two genetic groups of char and for significant differences in the distribution of microsatellite variability among at least two of the three previously described body size morphotypes (‘large’‐, ‘medium’‐, and ‘small’‐bodied char; maximum F_ST = 0.09; differences in admixture proportions). We also found a significant association between genetic admixture proportions and gill raker counts among body size morphs (r = ?0.73, P < 0.001). Our data represent the first record of genetically distinct sympatric morphs of Arctic char in Alaska and provide further evidence that differences in morphology associated with feeding (gill rakers) and growth trajectories reflect niche diversification and promote genetic divergence in Holarctic populations of Arctic char.     

Genetic divergence in Indian populations of M. rosenbergii using microsatellite markers

Macrobrachium rosenbergii, known as the giant freshwater prawn or Malaysian prawn, is the sixth largest aquaculture species in Asia. Knowledge of genetic diversity of M. rosenbergii is important to support management and conservation programmes, which will subsequently help in sustainable production of this economically important species. This study aimed to analyse the genetic diversity and population structure of five M. rosenbergii populations using 11 microsatellite loci. In analysing 240 samples, the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity (H_O) and expected heterozygosity (H_E) ranged from 3 to 20, from 0.250 to 0.978 and from 0.556 to 0.944 respectively. The five stocks of M. rosenbergii displayed high level of genetic diversity. Both the F_ST and amova analyses showed that there was significant genetic differentiation among all populations. The UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance matrix revealed that the Narmada and Mahi populations were in one cluster and Mahanadi and Subarnarekha populations in another single major branch, whereas the Kerala population clearly showed a separate cluster. This information on genetic variation will be useful for genetic improvement and conservation of Indian populations of giant freshwater prawn M. rosenbergii.     

Loss of genetic variability in the captive stocks of tambaqui,Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818), at breeding centres in Brazil,and their divergence from wild populations

The loss of variability in farmed populations and the risks of interactions with wild populations support the need for the genetic monitoring of species farmed throughout the world. In Brazil, the tambaqui is the most widely farmed native fish species. Despite this, there are no data on the pedigree of the farmed stocks, and the potential for interactions with wild populations in the Amazon basin has raised concerns with regard to the genetic variability of these stocks. The present study analysed sequences of the mitochondrial Control Region and 12 microsatellites to characterize the genetic variability of seven historically important commercial tambaqui breeding centres located in four different regions of Brazil, and compared these sequences with those obtained from individuals collected from a wild population. High levels of genetic diversity were found in the wild population, whereas genetic diversity was reduced in both markers in most captive populations, except for the broodstock located near the Amazon River. High F_ST and D_EST indices were recorded between the wild population and most of the captive stocks analysed. The drastic reduction in genetic diversity found in most captive stocks and the difference between these stocks and the wild population may have been the result of the small size of the founding populations and the absence of breeding management. The renewal of the broodstocks and the application of breeding management techniques are recommended. In the Amazon region, in addition, the use of broodstocks that are genetically very different from local wild populations should be avoided.     

Genetic variation measured by microsatellites among three strains of domesticated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum)

Genetic variation fuels selective change in natural and captive populations. In establishing a broodstock for selective improvement, the level of genetic diversity is an important consideration because it provides an indication of the scope for selective progress. Three domesticated strains of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were examined at nine polymorphic microsatellite loci to assess detectable levels of allelic diversity and heterozygosity within and differentiation among the strains. A total of 126 alleles were observed to segregate into unique multilocus genotypes for each of the 152 individuals assayed. There was an average heterozygosity of 71.5% at these nine loci, and an average of 14 alleles at a locus. Each locus was represented by alleles unique to at least two of the three strains. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations of genotype frequencies were detected in each strain. Subsequent analysis indicated sub‐structuring within strains leading to Wahlund effects that caused these deviations. Significant differences in genotype frequencies and pairwise F_ST values demonstrated that all strains were unique. The overall F_ST of 0.089 provides additional evidence of unique genetic diversity present in each strain, and agrees well with the degree of genetic variation found in rainbow trout across broad geographical ranges. The genetic diversity contributed by each population suggests that there is greater scope for selective improvement of numerous traits within a synthetic strain combining these three strains than within any individual strain.     

Genetic diversity within sea trout population from an intensively stocked southern Baltic river,based on microsatellite DNA analysis

Sea trout, Salmo trutta L., populations in the Slupia River basin have been affected by mass stocking with smolts and fry. This work is focused on a small‐scale differentiation in sea trout populations from one basin with a strong emphasis on the relationship between wild and hatchery origin fish. A total of 216 sea trout were genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Global F_ST obtained by amova was low at 0.0165. Pairwise F_ST were significant for all tests except wild and stocked adults. The highest pairwise difference was found between the hatchery sample and Kwacza (F_ST = 0.038). Analysis of the genetic structure revealed micro‐geographical differentiation with four subpopulations. The quality of the artificial spawning was found not to be adequate with a high risk of adverse effects to the whole population. All future stocking actions in the basin should consider the existing population structures.     

Genetic variation and population structure of the caramote prawn Penaeus kerathurus (Forskäl) from the eastern and western Mediterranean coasts in Tunisia

Ten populations of Penaeus kerathurus (Forskäl), a prawn of high commercial value, were sampled from the eastern and western Mediterranean coastal waters of Tunisia and screened electrophoretically for genetic variation at 13 allozyme loci. Four among the six polymorphic loci were out of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (H–WE) in at least one population. In the same way, the multilocus test showed deviation from H–WE in six populations. These populations showed heterozygote deficiency whereas the average heterozygosity for the four remaining ones is quite similar to the expected levels. Genetic variability was low. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 1.2 to 1.5 (average=1.3), and the observed heterozygosity varied between 0.010 and 0.048 (average=0.021). Significant population differentiation (F_ST=0.076, P<0.05) in the total data set reflected the differentiation of the two populations, which were at the margins of the range sampled, from all the others (Pairwise F_ST values ranged from 0.035 to 0.208). Although there was no significant differentiation among the other populations (pairwise F_ST values ranged from ?0.006 to 0.201, P>0.05). Our data suggest a population structure consistent with separation by Mediterranean Sea basins that might reflect different local biogeographical zones.     

Genetic relatedness and differentiation of hatchery populations of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch, 1790) broodstock in Thailand inferred from microsatellite genetic markers

After more than 20 years of hatchery production of Asian seabass in Thailand, genetic information is still lacking for effective genetic management and a selective breeding programme. This study aimed to evaluate genetic status of existing hatchery populations and genetic consequences of a selective breeding attempt. We examined genetic relatedness in seven hatchery samples, including a selectively bred population (RACF‐F1), compared with three wild samples using 11 microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity and relatedness values within most hatchery samples, except for RACF‐F1, did not differ from those of wild populations (P > 0.05). RACF‐F1 had the lowest allelic diversity and effective population size (A_r = 6.99; N_e = 7.8) and highest relatedness values (mean r_xy = 0.075–0.204). Pairwise Φ_ST values, principal component analysis and model‐based cluster analyses revealed three genetically distinct hatchery groups: Eastern Thailand (CHN, RACF, NSCF and SKCF), Southern Thailand (NICA) and the Andaman Sea (STCF). Results suggest that exiting domestic populations capture reasonable amount of genetic variation and can be useful for a base population for genetic improvement programmes. In addition, given the rapid increase in relatedness that we observed in one selectively bred population, we recommend using selection methods and hatchery practices that reduce variability in family contribution in the subsequent generations.     

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in the Heavily Exploited Korean Rockfish,Sebastes schlegeli,in Korea

The Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, is a valuable and intensively exploited species in Korea. We discuss the genetic diversity and genetic structure of four Korean rockfish populations using eight microsatellite loci. In total, 161 different alleles from 138 individuals were observed. Average allele number per locus ranged from 2.5 to 23 and allelic richness varied from 13.38 to 14.63 within a population. Despite a long history of stocking practices, we found very high levels of polymorphism (mean heterozygosity = 0.810), which is comparable to other congeneric species. No significant difference in genetic diversity and molecular genetic variance (F_ST and R_ST) was observed among four local samples (P > 0.1). Little indication of contemporary inbreeding (F_IS= 0.051) or population structure (K = 1) was detected. This absence of differentiation may reflect high levels of gene flow along the coast of Korea. Our study demonstrates that rockfish in Korea should be managed as a single unit. Currently, the species does not appear to be genetically threatened, but the potential for a rapid loss of genetic diversity remains. This information on the genetic characteristics of Korean rockfish populations has important implications for fisheries management and conservation efforts, and will aid in the sustainable exploitation of the fishing resources and the preservation of biodiversity.     

Genetic characterization of naturalized populations of brown trout Salmo trutta L. in southern Chile using allozyme and microsatellite markers

This study describes the genetic structure of five naturalized populations of brown trout in southern Chile using allozyme and microsatellite markers to establish levels of intra‐ and interpopulation genetic variability and divergence. Fourteen enzymatic systems were used comprising 20 loci and three microsatellite loci specific to brown trout. The genetic variability values (allozymes, P=20–35%, average=27%, H_O=0.118–0.160, average=0.141; microsatellites, P=33.3–100%, average=66.66%, H_O=0.202–0.274, average=0.229) are similar to values described in other naturalized populations of brown trout present in Chile, but higher than those observed in European populations of this species. Values of total genetic diversity (H_T) (allozymes=0.1216 and microsatellites=0.3504) and relative genetic divergence (G_ST) (allozymes=9.5% and microsatellites=15%) were also similar to the results obtained in previous studies of Chilean populations of brown trout. These values, when compared with those obtained in Europe, proved to be similar for H_T but lower for G_ST. The low interpopulational genetic differentiation was in accordance with the small genetic distance observed between the populations analysed (D Nei=0.004–0.025). On the other hand, the high frequency of one of the two alternative alleles of the phylogeographic marker locus LDH‐5* in the populations analysed (LDH‐5*90>0.84) would indicate a European origin, in particular Atlantic as opposed to Mediterranean, for the brown trout introduced into Chile. The high levels of genetic variability suggest a mixed origin for the naturalized brown trout in Chile, which could have originated either before or during the introduction process. Nevertheless, the low level of genetic differentiation between populations could reflect the short lapse of time in evolutionary terms, during which populations introduced into Chile have been exposed to different evolutionary forces, and which has not been sufficiently long to produce greater genetic differentiation between populations.     

Genetic structure of Orbicella faveolata population reveals high connectivity among a marine protected area and Varadero Reef in the Colombian Caribbean

1. The protection of ecosystems with high diversity, such as coral reefs, is not an approach that guarantees their conservation. Thus, maintaining connectivity among coral populations over the long term is a strategy that should be adopted in order to protect diversity and ecological processes. Although coral reefs in Colombia are highly diverse, the population genetics baseline data of keystone species such as Orbicella faveolata are limited.
2. To provide current information about the connectivity between populations of O. faveolata in the Colombian Caribbean, the genetic diversity and distribution of O. faveolata was evaluated with analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal components, and migration estimations using 113 genets distributed in six populations. Also, a genetic structure analysis that included the available data for the Caribbean population was conducted, seeking to understand how the Colombian populations relate to the broader region.
3. According to the global fixation index (F_ST) for the Colombian Caribbean, there was no genetic structure (F_ST = 0.002). Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) showed that Corales del Rosario Archipelago (CR), Este de Isla Fuerte (EIF), San Bernardo Archipelago (SB), and Varadero Reef (VR) were grouped with Oeste de Isla Fuerte (OIF), with Bushnell (BS) representing the most divergent cluster. Migration analysis showed relatively high migration from VR to CR and SB, highlighting the importance of VR as a genetic reservoir for the region. Structure analysis showed that the Colombian population presented a specific genetic identity (F_ST = 0.254), suggesting that the Colombian Caribbean population could be a peripheral population that contributes significantly to genetic variation and is connected through a complex connectivity process.
4. In conclusion, the estimated genetic connectivity reflects the influence of sea surface dynamics over the interpopulation exchange dynamics and the role of protected and nonprotected coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean. Thus, the Colombian Caribbean population of O. faveolata could be relevant to the conservation of genetic diversity on a larger scale.

     

Microsatellite DNA markers of Ezo abalone (Haliotis discus hannai): a preliminary assessment of natural populations sampled from heavily stocked areas

Reproductive success of released animals becomes a growing interest in the context of stock enhancement program and conservation biology. In the case of the Ezo abalone (Pacific abalone; Haliotis discus hannai), limited information is available about the extent of interbreeding between natural and released hatchery populations. This study aimed to develop microsatellite DNA markers from Ezo abalone to address the issue. We developed 38 microsatellite markers that worked well in three full-sib families established from wild caught abalone. Of these, nine markers, with which alleles could be scored easily and accurately, were applied to two population samples derived from coastal areas where intensive releases of hatchery-produced abalone seedlings have been carried out. Multilocus estimates of genetic population differentiation calculated based on the nine markers (F_ST analogue θ and R_ST analogue ρ) rejected a null hypothesis of genetic homogeneity between the populations (θ=0.048, P<0.00001; ρ=0.029, P=0.0051). Although both populations conformed to Hardy Weinberg's equilibrium at almost all of the nine loci, the results of simulation analysis for variance of relatedness coefficient provided evidence of nonrandom mating in each population, possibly caused by the cumulative effect of stocking on the genetic make-up. The population analysis presented here is preliminary; but we consider that the microsatellite markers are potentially an efficient means to examine the reproductive contribution of released abalone to natural resources.     

草鱼野生与选育群体遗传变异微卫星分析

为探究经过2个选育世代后选育群体遗传多样性和遗传结构的变化,实验采用多重PCR技术对4个野生草鱼群体(邗江、九江、石首、吴江)和2个选育群体(F1和F2)进行了微卫星序列遗传变异分析。结果显示,6个草鱼群体遗传多样性水平较高,2个选育群体除了平均等位基因数外,其他遗传多样性参数均小于4个野生群体。哈迪—温伯格平衡(Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium)检测显示,在120个群体—位点组合中有62个位点显著偏离哈迪—温伯格平衡,62个群体—位点组合中只有11个组合其近交系数值为负值,其余的51个组合的Fis均为正值。6个草鱼群体AMOVA分析结果显示,3.75%的变异来自于群体间,96.25%的变异来自于群体内,整体的遗传分化指数值为0.038。进一步分析各个群体间Fst,只有石首群体与F1、F2群体之间的Fst大于0.05,处于中等分化,其余群体间分化程度较低,且F2群体与4个野生群体之间Fst比F1群体与4个野生群体之间的Fst大。奈氏标准遗传距离分析结果显示,2个选育群体与野生群体之间的遗传距离大于野生群体之间的遗传距离。基于Dn建立的UPGMA系统发育树得出了相同的结果,即2个选育群体与野生群体之间的亲缘关系比4个野生群体之间的亲缘关系要远。研究表明,经过2个世代选育后,相比4个野生群体,2个选育群体遗传多样性虽有部分下降,但仍处于较高的水平,2个选育群体的遗传结构已发生变化,但其遗传分化程度尚不明显。本研究结果为制定出更加完善有效的选育方案提供了重要参考。     

近交对长牡蛎幼虫和稚贝生长与存活的影响

分别以2010年通过2个野生个体进行交配获得的A01全同胞家系和2011年通过A01家系子代进行交配获得A02全同胞家系为亲本,在2013年6月采用同时建立全同胞交配子一代F1(F=0.250)、全同胞交配子二代F2(F=0.375)及设置对照组(F=0)的方法,研究在相同环境条件下,不同实验组的受精率与孵化率以及近交对长牡蛎幼虫期、稚贝期生长和存活的影响,并初步探讨近交代数与近交衰退的关系。结果发现,各组的受精率均在90%以上,除F2组外其余2组的孵化率也在90%以上;幼虫阶段,F1组和F2组的壳高与壳长均从12日龄出现衰退(近交衰退系数,inbreeding depression coefficient,IDC0),且F2组壳高的近交衰退系数均小于同日龄F1组壳高的近交衰退系数;F1组和F2组的存活率在整个幼虫期间均出现衰退,且F1组和F2组存活率的近交衰退系数均随着幼虫日龄的增加而逐渐减小。稚贝阶段,F1组和F2组的平均壳高在各日龄均表现出近交衰退(IDC0),且F2组壳高的近交衰退系数均小于相同日龄F1组壳高的近交衰退系数;3个实验组的平均壳长在整个稚贝阶段无显著性差异;F1组和F2组存活率的衰退在不同日龄始终存在(IDC0),且随着稚贝日龄的增加其衰退程度逐渐加大。研究结果为长牡蛎选择育种和遗传改良提供了基础资料。     

吉富罗非鱼与奥利亚罗非鱼自繁与杂交 F1遗传特性与抗病力分析

以吉富罗非鱼与奥利亚罗非鱼为繁育亲本,采用完全双列杂交繁育4组F1,将初始规格基本一致的4组罗非鱼饲养100 d后,运用“加性-显性”遗传分析模型,分析了4组F1罗非鱼8个生长相关性状杂种优势、遗传效应以及与性状间的相关性.结果表明:(1)F1群体平均优势为0.129 4～0.368 4.除尾柄长超亲优势较大外,其他性状的群体超亲优势较小或表现出负向超亲优势.(2)8个性状的广义遗传率(HB)为0.714 2～0.995 3,表明加性效应和显性效应对性状的遗传变异影响极显著(P＜0.01).除尾柄长外,其他性状的狭义遗传率(HN)介于0.469 4～0.737 9,表明加性遗传方差在表型方差中所占比率较高.(3)体质量、全长、体长、体高、体宽、头长、尾柄长、尾柄高性状之间表型相关在0.776 6～0.999 7范围内,而遗传相关在0.994 1～1.000 0之间,表明这些性状间都存在极显著的正相关.取样结束后,采用3.95×106 CFU/mL的海豚链球菌菌液进行腹腔感染,吉富罗非鱼自繁组F1代12 h后出现死亡,而奥利亚罗非鱼自繁组F1192 h后才出现死亡.384 h后,吉富罗非鱼自繁组F1死亡率为40％,正反交组F1分别为20％和23.3％,奥利亚罗非鱼自繁组F1死亡率最低,为6.67％.研究结果表明,除尾柄长外,杂交F1的其他性状不具备超亲优势,然而杂交可以提高选育后代的抗病力.     

Genetic differentiation of wild and hatchery Oujiang color common carp: potential application to the identification of escapees

The escape or release of cultured and domesticated organisms into the wild poses a threat to the genetic integrity of natural populations. Based on data from 17 microsatellite loci, the genetic differentiation between wild and hatchery Oujiang color common carp Cyprinus carpio var. color was investigated, and its potential application for identifying the escapees of hatchery strains was assessed using Bayesian genetic assignment. No significant differences were observed between pooled hatchery and pooled wild populations in terms of allelic richness (A _R), observed heterozygosity (H _O), and inbreeding coefficient (F _IS). Analysis of molecular variance and pairwise F _ST comparisons suggested significant genetic differentiation between hatchery strains and between hatchery and wild populations, which was further confirmed by principal components analysis and Bayesian clustering analysis. Bayesian genetic alignment showed high self-assignment accuracy (ranging from 86.0 to 96.0%) in the original populations, demonstrating the ability of this technique to identify hatchery Oujiang color common carp escapees in the wild population.     

Heterosis analysis at early generations for complete diallel crosses in three different geographical culture populations of Sinonovacula constricta (Lamarck 1818) in Zhejiang,China

The paper reports a study focused on breeding new rapidly growing and heat‐tolerant strains in a commercially important Asian bivalve, Sinonovacula constricta. To breed a new strain of S. constricta with fast growth and high temperature tolerance, complete diallel crosses were carried out using three different geographical culture populations from Zhejiang (Z), Fujian (F) and Guangdong (G) provinces, China. Larval and spat growth and the survival and heat tolerance of spats were compared in detail. The experimental serial growth traits extracted from larval and spat measurements (shell length and shell height) indicated that there was no difference between six hybrid crosses and parental crosses at the larval stage; while at the spat stage, some differences were observed. The hybrid crosses ZF (Z♀ × F♂), ZG (Z♀ × G♂) and FG (F♀ × G♂) outperformed the parental groups in shell length at the end of intermediate culture, with lengths of 21.77 ± 0.28 mm, 21.55 ± 0.29 mm and 21.44 ± 0.20 mm respectively. For spat survival rate, the hybrid cross ZF (Z♀ × F♂) had a significantly larger value (88.89 ± 4.16%) than all the other groups, and the hybrid cross ZG (Z♀ × G♂) had a significantly larger rate than the cross GZ (G♀ × Z♂) and parental crosses ZZ (Z♀ × Z♂) and GG (G♀ × G♂). The hybrid crosses ZF (Z♀ × F♂), ZG (Z♀ × G♂) and FG (F♀ × G♂) exceeded the parental groups in heat tolerance, but there was no significant difference. The growth, survival and heat tolerance results showed that the crosses ZF, ZG and FG in this study were the best hybridization combinations for genetic improvement, which could have significant implications for the development of razor clam aquaculture. This work provides a theoretical basis for breeding new varieties (strains) that grow rapidly and are heat tolerant.