Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the in vitro crossed hybrids of A. urmiana and A. sinica fusions

Aims: Given the importance of the identification of scientific and commercial communities of Artemia species, especially hybrid populations, some phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of hybrids between A. sinica and A. urmiana were studied in vitro.
breeding two species of brine shrimp from hatching to maturity in standard laboratory conditions was provided. Then 64 males and females of each species were separated and mutual hybrid production was done in 50 ml tubes. Daily, the larvae were separated and reared partly and independently. Studies of fatty acids profile and survey by restriction enzyme pattern of 12S-16S mtDNA genome with HpaII enzyme in comparing of the parents and offspring’s of first-generation were done.
Comparing hybrids fatty acids profiles to pure parents showed that some fatty acids amounts are highly dependent on parental origin. In some samples the same restriction enzyme pattern was observed in male parents and the first generation hybrids that was unexpected.
The results revealed that fatty acids profile is strongly influenced by maternal or paternal origin genes of inheritance. Therefore, by directional selection of parents it is possible to produce special Artemia offspring’s with unique phenotypic characteristics. Comparing of enzymatic digestion patterns with the first generated hybrid revealed that the mitochondrial genome (or mitochondria) also is inherited from the sire.