Comparative analysis of the growth performance and intermuscular bone traits in F1 hybrids of black bream (Megalobrama terminalis) (♀) × topmouth culter (Culter alburnus) (♂)

In the current study, F1 hybrids of black bream (Megalobrama terminalis; MT) (♀) × topmouth culter (Culter alburnus; CA) (♂) (MT♀ × CA♂) were obtained by intergeneric crossing firstly. Growth performance and intermuscular bone (IB) traits of MT♀ × CA♂ were evaluated using comparative analysis with MT, CA, Megalobrama amblycephala (blunt snout bream; MA), and MA♀ × CA♂ F1 as the control. The results showed that MT♀ × CA♂ hybrids were similar to MA♀ × CA♂ hybrids in growth performance and grew significantly faster than the parents did, suggesting a remarkable growth advantage after the age of 1 year. At the 3-year-old stage, the hybrid MT♀ × CA♂ had not only marked growth advantages over its parents but also higher weight values than those of MA♀ × CA♂. A total of 127 IBs in MT♀ × CA♂ appeared to be intermediate between the number of IBs of the female parent MT (124) and male parent CA (137), and MT♀ × CA♂ had significantly (P < .05) fewer IBs than MA♀ × CA♂ (133), suggesting that MT♀ × CA♂ has more heterosis than MA♀ × CA♂ for the number of IBs. IB morphology was classified into 7 shape categories, and the IB morphological complexity of the hybrid of MT♀ × CA♂ was intermediate between its parents. In conclusion, the F1 hybrid of MT♀ × CA♂ had advantageous characteristics, including a growth advantage and fewer and simpler IBs, making it a hybrid of great commercial value.