Abstract
The mass spawning nature and lack of sexual dimorphism in some popular aquaculture species make broodstock management a challenge. Many genomics studies on these species are too expensive and don’t apply to the broader field of aquaculture. Low-cost, low-coverage whole genome sequencing was used to identify parentage relationships and potential sex markers for Paralichthys olivaceus (olive flounder) sampled from a pilot-scale land-based production facility in the U.S., (University of Miami, FL). Low coverage whole genome analyses established Parent-Offspring relationships for 33% (18) of the 54 offspring analyzed, and at least 1 parent was identified for 94% (51) of the 54 offspring analyzed. The program also identified a few individuals with significant levels of inbreeding, important information for broodstock management. In addition, an association study was conducted which identified 10 potential SNP markers for sex identification. Findings from this work provide valuable and affordable tools for improving broodstock management and early sex identification of progeny of this species and others