The genetic architecture of phenotypic diversity in the Betta fish (Betta splendens)

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  • Wanchang Zhang
  • Hongru Wang
  • Débora Y. C. Brandt
  • Beijuan Hu
  • Junqing Sheng
  • Mengnan Wang
  • Haijiang Luo
  • Yahui Li
  • Shujie Guo
  • Bin Sheng
  • Qi Zeng
  • Kou Peng
  • Daxian Zhao
  • Shaoqing Jian
  • Di Wu
  • Junhua Wang
  • Guang Zhao
  • Jun Ren
  • Wentian Shi
  • Joep H. M. van Esch
  • Sirawut Klingunga
  • Yijiang Hong

The Betta fish displays a remarkable variety of phenotypes selected during domestication. However, the genetic basis underlying these traits remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and resequencing of 727 individuals representing diverse morphotypes of the Betta fish. We show that current breeds have a complex domestication history with extensive introgression with wild species. Using a genome-wide association study, we identify the genetic basis of multiple traits, including coloration patterns, the "Dumbo"phenotype with pectoral fin outgrowth, extraordinary enlargement of body size that we map to a major locus on chromosome 8, the sex determination locus that we map to dmrt1, and the long-fin phenotype that maps to the locus containing kcnj15. We also identify a polygenic signal related to aggression, involving multiple neural system-related genes such as esyt2, apbb2, and pank2. Our study provides a resource for developing the Betta fish as a genetic model for morphological and behavioral research in vertebrates.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbereabm4955
JournalScience Advances
Volume8
Issue number38
Number of pages13
ISSN2375-2548
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

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